LAHORE (Dunya News) - Pakistan's business community organised a grand ceremony in Lahore to mark Independence Day, commemorate Pakistan’s recent triumph, and celebrate the prestigious honors awarded to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The event was attended by key political and business figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Dunya Media Group Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, former Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz, and UBG Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer.
In his remarks, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik congratulated both Dar and Naqvi for receiving national recognition. He highlighted Ishaq Dar’s diplomatic success in elevating Pakistan’s global image and noted that Pakistan now has the lowest tariff rate in the region—an achievement credited to strategic foreign policy.
He assured that the business community’s concerns would be addressed and announced plans for a direct meeting with the Prime Minister.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasised the business sector’s unwavering support for national leadership and said the community had contributed 25% more in taxes this year. He praised Gohar Ejaz for his consistent guidance and acknowledged Dar’s role in securing reduced trade tariffs with the United States.
“Let us pledge today to take Pakistan to new heights of prosperity,” he urged the attendees.
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Former Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz congratulated Ishaq Dar on receiving the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, lauding his efforts in stabilising Pakistan’s economy. He also voiced concerns over high electricity rates and interest costs, calling them barriers to industrial growth. “The government must work in partnership with business leaders to drive progress,” he said.
United Business Group Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer added that this year’s Independence Day felt more meaningful due to Pakistan’s recent military victory. “Only the oppressed in Kashmir and Palestine can truly describe the value of freedom,” he said.
He condemned India’s “cowardly attack,” applauding the response by Pakistan’s armed forces and leadership. “The business community stands united with the government and our military,” he declared.
Tanveer also addressed economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens, particularly unemployment and inflation. “This is a war against poverty and inflation—and if we win it, no enemy will dare to challenge Pakistan again,” he said confidently. “God willing, we will win this battle, together with the government.”