ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Chaudhry Mohammad Ali Randhawa has lauded Islamabad’s business community for its pivotal role in driving economic growth, generating employment, and strengthening the city’s commercial landscape.
Addressing business leaders during his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Wednesday, Mr. Randhawa assured that CDA is committed to resolving the key issues confronting traders and industrialists. He announced that focal persons from ICCI and FPCCI would be invited to CDA Board Meetings to highlight their concerns and present research-based solutions for their resolution.
The CDA Chairman also outlined steps taken by the Authority to address the city’s ongoing water crisis. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to ICCI for initiating a large-scale tree plantation drive in collaboration with CDA, emphasizing the need to ensure the protection and maintenance of the newly planted saplings.
ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, in his welcome address, highlighted several critical challenges faced by the business community. He pointed out the deteriorating condition of markets, unjustified increases in CDA taxes, excessive trade change charges, and CDA’s non-compliance with court orders. He also raised concerns about excessive fines on traders, unfair parking fees, poor sanitation in fruit and vegetable market, and deteriorating industrial area infrastructure, which he said were severely affecting business operations.
Mr. Qureshi also stressed the urgent need for a dedicated graveyard in Sector H-13. He announced that ICCI, with the support of the business community, has planned to plant one lakh sapling to enhance Islamabad’s greenery and maintain its beauty.
Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, while conducting the ceremony, reaffirmed ICCI’s role as a strong bridge between the government and the business community, emphasizing the Chamber’s unwavering commitment to promoting business-friendly policies.
During a lively Question/Answer session, business leaders engaged with the CDA Chairman, raising various concerns impacting the trade and industrial sectors.
In his vote of thanks, ICCI Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry expressed hope that the CDA Chairman’s visit and assurances would lead to swift action, paving the way for a thriving business environment in the capital.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including DG Environment, DG Building & Housing Control, and former ICCI Presidents Mian Shaukat Masood, Ejaz Abbasi, Basit Dawood, Khalid Iqbal Malik, along with Executive Members Sardar Tahir Mehmood, Irfan Chaudhry, Malik Abdul Aziz, Ishaq Sial, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Imran Minhas, Tahir Ayub, Naeem Akhtar Awan, Amir Qureshi, Sanaullah Khan, Fatima Azeem, and Advisor to ICCI President Naeem Siddiqui.
On the occasion, Dr. Raashid Aftab delivered a comprehensive presentation on the significance of water conservation and the looming water crisis in the twin cities.
Earlier on arrival the visiting guest along with the ICCI President, inaugurated the ICCI tree plantation drive in collaboration with the CDA by planting a sapling in the lawn of the Chamber, symbolizing a joint commitment to a greener Islamabad.
The meeting ended with a shared resolve to maintain close collaboration between ICCI and CDA to ensure Islamabad’s business community thrives in a supportive and sustainable environment.
