LAHORE, Jan 16: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed anger over the suspension of new visa regime by the Indian prime minister and remarks of the Indian Army chief against Pakistan.

“Both measures are a severe blow to trade normalisation being pushed by the business community,” said LCCI Senior Vice-President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Vice-President Mian Abuzar Shad and all executive committee members in a joint statement on Wednesday.

“Pakistan’s business community has continuously been working for improved trade relations with the entire world, especially our neighbouring countries, but it will never compromise on national sovereignty, dignity and interests,” they said while expressing concern over the abrupt decision of Indian PM Manmohan Singh to suspend the new visa regime.

They said Singh’s decision would damage the process of bringing South Asian countries closer for establishment of peace and economic prosperity in the region.

“We have worked hard during the last two years through enhanced interaction and coordination on different fronts, including diplomatic, and the frequent visits by delegations of government functionaries and private sector, which has suffered a serious blow because of statements by various Indian government functionaries,” said the LCCI officials.