June 14, 2008	Saturday	Jamadi-us-Sani 09, 1429

ISLAMABAD, June 13: The issue of restoration of judges and the resultant long march are affecting business activities and day to day life, which must be resolved on a priority basis.

Ijaz Abbasi, president Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) said in a statement that the business community was already facing a number of problems due to many other factors and the judicial issue was having a negative impact on businesses.

The Islamabad Chamber president noted that in the new budget the government increased the number of judges from 16 to 29 and urged that in the interest of the country, an urgent decision shall be taken and government should pay attention on other key issues, which are vital for the economic growth and progress of business activities.

Mr. Abbasi said that business community and the people wanted an immediate solution of the judicial crises and strongly supported freedom and supremacy of judiciary in the country. Without the judicial freedom, the country cannot prosper, he added.

He said that the long march was now in the federal Capital, which houses diplomatic missions and multinational companies, thus the government should ensure foolproof security in Islamabad.

The ICCI chief said that the investment flow in the country could not be ensured without the improved law and order situation and resolution of the judicial crises.—APP