Business tycoons advise against govt-army confrontation

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: Business tycoons on Tuesday said both the government and the military should avoid confrontation, as this could be detrimental to the economy.

In a statement, President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Zakaria Usman said the economy was improving and all the fundamentals were presenting a better picture including stable petroleum prices, Pak Rupee gaining strength etc.

“At this time any sort of confrontation between the institutions and political uncertainty would adversely impact business sentiments in the country as well as foreign investment,” he added.Abdullah Zaki, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), underlined the need for harmony among the state institutions.

He said confrontation among institutions would portray a bad image of the country in the world.Zubair Motiwala, Chairman Council of All Pakistan Textile Associations, said the government and politicians should refrain from criticising the institutions, particularly the ‘noble institutions’ in order to gain political mileage.

Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Munawar Mughal rejected what he called toxic criticism of the armed forces amid Musharraf’s treason trial and termed it a conspiracy to ‘demoralise’ the army.

In a statement, Mughal said those who violated the Constitution should be dealt with according to the law but the armed forces should not be criticised for the actions of an individual.The business community of Pakistan unconditionally supports the ‘guardians of our ideological and geographical frontiers’ who have ensured national unity and stability by offering supreme sacrifices,” said Mughal.

Speaking in a hurriedly called meeting, he said the army had contributed immensely towards national security and nation-building and will continue to deliver on its mission while the elements using Musharraf’s trial as ploy to defame the army are the enemies of Pakistan.

“We have full faith in the abilities of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif who will steer the country out of problems. At this critical juncture, every Pakistani must repose confidence in the army, the ISI, the MI and the FC which is our critical line of defence,” he added.

Mughal warned that Pakistan may not be able to survive if these institutions become fragile due to undue criticism of certain elements working on the agenda of enemies of the state.He said the army had been surrounded by eternal enemies who are against our existence but it has been working for a better, prosperous and a safer Pakistan, as a divided country cannot face aggression.

He said the armed forces need respect and recognition instead of being condemned while the chiefs of national security agencies should not be summoned by the courts and grilled for actions taken to safeguard national interests; rather serious matters are always heard in closed-door chambers.

He said politicians, intellectuals, the masses and the media should also take into account the high death toll the national security establishment has rendered in doing their duties.He said humiliation of army can result in a clash between important institutions which would be unfortunate.