‘Businessmen backbone of economy’

LAHORE: Business community is the backbone of the economy and it must be facilitated for sustainable economic growth of the country, Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana said on Wednesday.

Addressing members of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), he said uniform prices of gas and other inputs across the country is the need of the hour. Protests and sit-ins at Mall Road have become major issues for the business community, students, patients and the masses, he said, adding that the politicians and civil society should show responsibility and avoid disturbing trade and economic activities.

He informed the LCCI members that recommendations regarding parking plazas have been forwarded to the Punjab government.

LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said that the government has largely overcome the energy shortfall. There has been a considerable decline in electricity load-shedding. It is an obvious result of concerted efforts from the government side, which is praiseworthy.

The business community will be much relieved if per unit price of electricity is also brought down. Calling for uniform rate for gas, he said it is unfair to keep comparatively high price of gas for Punjab.