August 05, 2007	Sunday	Rajab 20, 1428

KARACHI: Traders of Karachi offered a mixed view over the business prospects under a democratic rule. Some say that trade flourishes in a democratic environment. Others, however, believe that much depends on the leadership irrespective of the form of the government.

Chairman Alliance of Market Association (AMA) Atiq Mir views democratic governments more suitable for the business community because they are more responsive and traders can present their problems and seek solutions, whereas military regimes are more focused on stabilising their governments.

Trading community feels stranded in the autocratic rule. Traders feel lack of trust despite frequent communication with the military rulers. The country has seen industrial expansion only in the era of Field Marshal Ayub Khan but later the wheel of economic development has slowed down in other military rules, he said.

Atiq said economic prosperity had only been achieved in the elected democratic governments, which opens new avenues of market expansions besides creating competition.

When asked which party he would support in the elections, he said traders were likely to support PML (N) in view of economic development in the previous Nawaz regime as compared with PPP rule in which economy had virtually collapsed.

Chairman Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association (KWGA) Anis Majeed says the business is not necessarily more comfortable under authoritarian rule. Business is basically connected with the government’s stability and leadership skills a leader possesses. If the nation is under a sound leader the business is likely to prosper and the economy is likely to boom.

He said because of close interaction with global buyers, we should have a stable government. Uncertain political situation brings foreign trade under pressure spoiling country’s reputation and making foreigners reluctant to develop business relations with that country.

On future support to a political party in general elections, Mr Anis says he does not support any political party for he finds them identical irrespective of their claims and programmes. I will support nationalist candidates.

He said there was no link between democracy and the market economy but there was a definite link between a good leader and the market economy as well as a stabilised government and the market economy. “Economy remains stable under a good leader who understands the political and economic needs.

— A.S.K