The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the apex body of traders in the country, and its affiliated chambers and associations, have, in the greater national interest, rejected the opposition's call for a strike on September 9.
Businessmen Panel Co-chairman, Pak-US Business Council Chairman and former FPCCI chief Iftikhar Malik talking to APP here Wednesday, said that the strike is no solution to political issues.
"Such issues should be taken up in parliament, which is the constitutional forum, instead of resorting to violence and agitation which has numerous negative effects", he added.
Iftikhar Malik said at this critical juncture when the country is moving towards economic growth and progress, we cannot afford a strike, as it will badly hamper the flow of foreign investment in the country.
"Differences of opinion are the democratic right of political parties, but national interest must be given supreme importance at all times," he observed.
"The FPCCI and all its 43 affiliated chambers and traders associations across the country are dismayed by the strike call, which will cause loss to the national economy and to all business concerns, apart from the millions of daily-wagers and workers who will be affected," he said.
Senior trade leaders including chairman Former FPCCI chief Tariq Sayeed, S.M.Munir from Karachi, Mian Muhammad Ashraf from Punjab, Sardar Jogezai from NWFP, Sabir Khan from Balochistan and several others have expressed similar sentiments and decided to distance themselves from the strike call.
Malik said: "Today the country is poised for progress and prosperity in every sphere due to consistent prudent policies with even the World Bank and other international finance bodies lauding Pakistan's economic growth, and a strike at this point will send a negative message to our trade partners world-wide."
"We have, therefore, decided to continue normal business activities on September 9, and again urge the opposition to review their strike call and turn to dialogue for resolution of political issues", said Iftikhar Malik.
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