Business leaders pledge economic support and national solidarity with united front

Prominent representatives of Pakistan’s leading business groups Friday held a joint press conference at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce, bringing together central figures from the Businessmen Panel Group (BMP) and the United Business Group (UBG) in what was described as a unified front for economic revival, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Among the key participants were former federal minister Dr Gohar Ijaz, Patron-in-Chief UBG SM Tanveer, Chairman BMP Mian Anjum Nisar, Lahore Chamber President Faheem-ur-Rehman Sehgal, Chairman UBG Zubair Tufail, former LCCI Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, along with various notable trade and industry personalities.

D. Gohar Ijaz began by noting that the gathering followed prayers held on the third death anniversary of the respected SM Munir, describing Pakistan as moving through “a difficult path,” but asserting that national resilience remained strong.

He praised the armed forces, saying the enemy “is now afraid even in his dreams,” and commended the leadership of the current Prime Minister and Field Marshal.

He said the business community now had a responsibility to strengthen the economy, noting rising imports and currency challenges, but asserting that reforms were underway.

“There was a storm of negativity — today the country is in a take-off position,” he said and added that foreign exchange reserves were improving and trade controls such as LCs had been relaxed.

Dr Ijaz announced a strategic decision to unify UBG and BMP, saying all differences had been set aside.

“Today we will emerge from this chamber as Team Pakistan,” he declared.

Speaking next, Mian Anjum Nisar said Pakistan had faced external hostility but overcame a larger adversary.

He emphasised the need to put the economy on track, pointing out that production costs, markups, and taxation were too high, contributing to business challenges and labour migration abroad.

Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer said the armed forces had fulfilled their duty and now the nation’s economic restoration was in the hands of the business sector.

He said the unity achieved on this day was a fulfilment of his late father’s vision for a united business community. He further claimed that Pakistan’s international reputation and the respect for the green passport were improving, and assured the government of complete support in ongoing economic reforms.

The joint press conference concluded with a symbolic call for collaborative action, national economic consolidation, and private-sector responsibility, as business leaders pledged to move forward as a unified force for Pakistan’s economic stability.