ICCI President Congratulates APP Employees Union on Collaboration

The President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, recently extended his congratulations to the newly-elected body of the Associated of Press of Pakistan (APP) Employees Union. The ICCI hosted a luncheon reception in honor of APP Managing Director Muhammad Asim Khichi and the office-bearers of the APP Employees Union. During the reception, Bakhtawari praised APP as a respected news organization that upholds journalistic standards and has produced many skilled journalists recognized globally.

Bakhtawari highlighted the important role APP plays in safeguarding national interests and promoting economic development. He emphasized the collaborative relationship between ICCI and APP, stressing the media's significant contribution to the country's economic progress. Bakhtawari also mentioned that ICCI regularly submits budget proposals to the Ministry of Finance, advocating for measures to broaden the tax base and combat tax evasion.

He suggested making the National Tax Number (NTN) mandatory for various financial transactions and proposed an amnesty scheme to encourage non-filers to pay taxes. Bakhtawari called for incentives in the budget to attract investors, declaring an industrial emergency to reduce energy prices and enhance exports. He also urged the government to expedite privatization of loss-making state institutions and implement reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue.

APP Managing Director Asim Khichi commended ICCI's support for the business community, emphasizing the crucial role of chambers in the economy. APP Employees Union President Khizer Zaman Malik stressed the importance of fairness, transparency, and accountability for economic recovery. Former ICCI president Zafar Bakhtawari and other union members also expressed their appreciation for the collaborative efforts between ICCI and APP.

The collaboration between the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Associated Press of Pakistan Employees Union signifies a strong partnership aimed at promoting economic growth and upholding journalistic integrity. Through mutual support and advocacy for economic reforms, both organizations are working towards a prosperous future for Pakistan.