SECURITY OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL NEEDS TO BE FURTHER TIGHTENED - MUHAMMAD IJAZ ABBASI

Insecure security situation in the country, particularly in the Federal Capital is a matter of great concern and government should take urgent measures to beef up security arrangements for the protection of businessmen and investors, stated Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry while addressing an emergent meeting in ICCI to express sympathy with Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Chairman Centaurus and Member, Board of Directors  of Gulf Airways, the victim of biggest robbery in Islamabad which deprived him of Rs.20 million worth cash, gold and other ornaments. He said Centaurus is one of the biggest construction projects in Islamabad’s history bringing in foreign direct investment of $ 350 million that would create job opportunities for thousands of people as well as giving boost to 36 industries which are linked with construction activities.

ICCI President said Sardar Tanveer demonstrated tremendous feelings of love and affection for Pakistan by investing such a huge amount in the country by undertaking a magnificent and ultra modern construction project in the heart of Islamabad which is considered as an identity of Pakistan while he has plans to start more projects in other parts of the country.  He said such big ticket projects will greatly benefit the country as these help generate great economic activities in the country.

On this occasion, ICCI President and members expressed feelings of great sympathy for Sardar Tanveer Ilyas and his family in this difficult time who had to face the worst moments of their lives on Tuesday July 30, 2008 when dacoits entered his residence in broad daylight without any hindrance and escaped from the scene with millions of rupees and ornaments.

Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi said that such high profile robberies create feelings of insecurity and shatter the confidence of present as well as the prospective investors which negatively impact the business and investment activities in the country. He said Islamabad being the capital of the country needs tight security to make it an ideal destination for domestic and foreign investors.

ICCI President appreciated the quick response of Islamabad Police and other law enforcement agencies to this incident and hoped that by utilizing their expertise, they will solve this highly serious problem soon.

He regretted that so far Sardar Tanveer Ilyas was not contacted by government officials and said that sincere and dedicated investors like Sardar Tanveer deserve more respect, attention and care from government side to boost their confidence and to encourage investment activities in the country.
Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi said Pakistan is confronting great economic challenges while people are facing difficulties due to rising unemployment, inflation and poverty in the country. He said these problems can only be tackled by creating business friendly environment and luring local as well as foreign investors, but businessmen and investors cannot come to an insecure environment, he added.

In the end, President ICCI called upon the government to take urgent measures to beef up security arrangements in the capital and suggested for establishing a separate security apparatus for businessmen and investors so that they could do business and invest in Pakistan with peace of mind and with a sense of security.