Govt is going to allow the opening of trade and Industry : Mian Aslam Iqbal

Lahore : The government of Punjab is going to allow the opening of trade and Industry keeping in view the SOPs at different stages. All recommendations in this regard have been sent to the Federal Government and will be further discussed with Prime Minister Pakistan Imran Khan in the next two days.

The whole world is being affected by this epidemic however Pakistan has overcome this with very few resources. We have increased the facility of tests from 150 per day to 6000 to 7000. Measurers are being taken for the prevention of the Coronavirus.

The government desires to start the business activities by today these views were expressed by Mian Aslam Iqbal, Provincial Minister for Industry, Trade, and Investment, during his visit to the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Regional Office Lahore.

President FPCCI Mian Anjum Nisar highlighted the drastic effects of Pandemic COVID-19 on the economy of Pakistan and its aftermath on industry and trade and said the business community of Pakistan is unable to bear the losses resulted by the lockdown. He tinted that 44 days of lockdown has crippled the economy.  Consistency of shut down of network of industries and allied supply chain are pressing issues that the business community is facing, It is a dire need of providing SOPs which are to be compatible with all sectors especially trade and manufacturing.

He added the rate of mortality on road accidents is crucial than corona COVID- 19 currently in Pakistan. Pakistan is in additional economic crises as the domestic cycle and exports both are suspended. Pakistan bears almost 300 million dollar economy is being collapsed due to ignorant federal policies and non-cooperative behavior with the business community.

Traders are in severe stress, as they are on the verge of bankruptcy due to the prolonged lockdown and suspension of trade activities, they said.

If businesses could be opened in the US, Italy, Spain, Germany and many other countries with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) than why not in Pakistan? They asked.

It is a season for businesses and the government would have to open all trade and industries with the SOPs, as now they have nothing to pay utility bills or salaries.