Businesses will not be harassed: PM aide

Haroon Akhtar Khan, the Prime Minister's adviser on industries and production, told a Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry meeting that the government is working to shield businesses from harassment. He argued that industrial strength, fresh investment, higher exports and a supportive operating climate are needed for growth. According to The Express Tribune, he urged officials to avoid FIRs in business matters and stop freezing company accounts, while stressing due process in legal cases.

Khan said the government is developing industrial policy and regulatory reforms to guard firms against excessive inspections and arbitrary official moves. He asked the FBR and other departments to balance business expansion with revenue collection, since a healthy private sector creates jobs and investment. He added that traders and manufacturers are central to the national economy, so policy should aim to strengthen investor confidence.

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar said the chamber does not oppose enforcement of laws, but argued that fines and corrective steps should replace FIRs for minor violations. He also asked for advance notice and reasonable time so firms can correct environmental compliance gaps. Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani added that the private sector should be consulted in policymaking and that obstacles to business should be removed.