Business Community Expresses Solidarity With Army Over May 9 Mayhem

Business Community Expresses Solidarity With Army Over May 9 Mayhem
The business community has expressed solidarity with Army on the attacks at security installations during the May 9 mayhem.

The representatives of the community from Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad and other industrial hubs gathered in Lahore on Tuesday, and condemned the riots and attacks on army and state buildings.

They emphasised the need for national consensus amongst all stakeholders to address political instability so as to restore public confidence, reinvigorate economic activities, and strengthen democratic process.

Talking to media person, Gohar Ejaz said the business community has resolved to support all efforts for the much-needed consensus.

Terming the riots condemnable and detrimental to national unity, he called upon Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PTI chairman Imran Khan to set aside their differences in the larger national interest.

He added that Pakistan Army, with the full support of people of Pakistan, will defeat all nefarious designs of the enemy.

Ejaz highlighted that the political crisis has brought the economy at the verge of a collapse, and will likely lead to large-scale unemployment, increase woes for commoners, and hamper the country's exports.

Speaking on the occasion, Mian Aamir Mahmood feared that the current situation would lead to anarchy.

Read this too: Planners, Perpetrators Of Attacks To Be Tried Under Army Act, Official Secrets Act: Corps Commanders

He added that Pakistan's perception in the international market has seen a decline, with exports taking a hit.

Mahmood asked the authorities to contain the unrest before it's too late. He urged all stakeholders to sit down for talks to resolve all issues.

Another representative, Mian Idris offered to mediate with the political parties and all other stakeholders to defuse the prevailing situation.

Expressing his views, Mian Ahsan said the business community was perturbed at the political crisis, saying all political forces must exhibit flexibility in the larger interest of the country.

Almas Haider said the business community wants to strengthen all institutions in every possible manner, to put the differences to rest.

The business community wants to see political parties, judiciary and the armed forces working collectively to save the country from a further plunge.

Speaking on the occasion, Khurram Mukhtar said the business community has full confidence in Pakistan and the fact that the country will survive, but everyone has to work together towards this objective.

The writer is a senior correspondent at The Friday Times with a focus on politics, economy and militancy. He also hosts the Hassan Naqvi Show on Naya Daur.