A two-member Saarc delegation will fly out to New Delhi on Wednesday, December 2, to talk to Indian parliamentarians and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on its report which has caused concern among members of business community in Pakistan. The delegation will comprise Tariq Sayeed and Iftikhar Ali Malik, President and Vice-President, respectively, of Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has already reacted sharply over the recommendations of this report which have been considered "venomous" and "inflammatory" not only by businessmen and industrialists by generally as well. Tariq told Business Recorder that he has been invited by a group of Indian parliamentarians to discus the issues confronting the region.
During his stay in New Delhi, Tariq would also talk to office-bearers of FICCI to find out the reasons for making such recommendations, particularly at a time when the Indian Prime Minister has adopted a conciliatory tone and desires improved relations between the two countries.
He said it was necessary that Pakistan and India developed understanding, goodwill and co-operation for the promotion of trade not only between the two neighbours but also the entire region for the benefit of common man. Uneasy feelings in relationships lead to frictions and result in misunderstandings which could lead to destruction and not construction.
Tariq said that members of business community should concentrate on economic matters and desist from issuing political statements and suggesting measures which fall entirely in the domain of politicians. Pakistan and India, being two major countries in Saarc region, must try to set example of good behaviour for others to follow, he added.
Iftikhar told Business Recorder that this was not the time to escalate tensions; rather it would be in the best interest of the entire region to understand and help each other with the ultimate goal of raising the standard of living of the common man. He said he believed that issues should be resolved through dialogue and consultations. He said that although he was surprised over FICCI's statement, he expressed the hope that their exchange of views in New Delhi would calm down the situation, and the apex trade body would desist from adding fuel to the fire.
Malik said it was easy to destroy a thing but it takes lot of efforts to build something. "We must avoid things which unnecessarily stall the good work by us. Progress and prosperity among Saarc states should take precedence over anything else;" he said, and expressed hope that their meeting with those who matter in FICCI would make them understand the damage which could be caused to the region.
"We must develop fellow feelings and divert our energies towards resolving the issues of common man and leave politics for politicians". Sultan Ahmed Chawla, President of FPCCI, has also taken serious note of the recommendations contained in the FICCI report, demanding of New Delhi to react militarily and conduct surgical strikes against Pakistan, use water as tool to destroy Pakistan's agriculture, ban all imports and restrict travel between the two countries.
He said there is huge potential of trade between Pakistan and India, and FPCCI and FICCI should work hand in hand in harmony for promoting two-way trade and investment for further developing economic and commercial ties between the two countries. Chawla emphasised that "we should be acting on the principle of equality and mutual respect, strive to increase mutual understanding, reduce differences, and expand consensus through dialogue and co-operation. Instead of igniting fire, we should try to extinguish fire for the betterment of both countries".
Comments
Comments are closed.