KARACHI: Trade and industry representatives have urged the government to appoint a permanent finance minister immediately to resolve their outstanding issues.

Talking to journalists at a luncheon on Thursday, they said a convention of businessmen will be called in Lahore early next year if the government does not fulfil their demand.

Under the prevailing situation, it is necessary that a permanent or at least caretaker finance minister is appointed, they said.

If suggestions by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) are not accepted, businesses will hold a national convention in Lahore in February to chalk out their future plan, they added.

FPCCI’s former president S.M. Muneer said exporters are facing a liquidity crunch because the government is not releasing sales tax refunds amounting to Rs300 billion. If these funds are released without any delay, exports of the country can grow rapidly, he added.

Responding to a question, Mr Muneer said the business community will not resort to strikes because such pressure tactics only harm the economy.

Speaking on the occasion, FPCCI President Zubair Tufail said the apex body of traders and industrialists has started inviting leaders of different political parties to discuss their economic policies. It will invite Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former president Asif Ali Zardari and Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani in coming days.

He said the FPCCI, with help from its member trade bodies, chambers and associations, has started framing an economic document, adding that recommendation will soon be submitted to the prime minister’s office.

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2017