ICCI President Calls for Involving Business Community in Economic Decision-Making
— January 21, 2025
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Zafar Mehmood, Director of Disaster Management at the Capital Development Authority (CDA), has emphasised the significant role of the business community in driving the country’s development. He acknowledged the community’s consistent adherence to building safety regulations and its contribution to the nation’s progress.
Mehmood expressed these views during a meeting with Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), according to a press release issued on Tuesday. Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Executive Members Malik Mohsin Khalid and Mohammad Waseem Chaudhry, Special Advisor Naeem Siddiqui, former Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry, and other ICCI members were also in attendance.
During the meeting, Mehmood reassured attendees of his department’s readiness to handle emergencies and stressed the need for the business community to ensure compliance with building by-laws and maintain up-to-date fire safety equipment. He highlighted the mandatory observance of the 2016 building code for new commercial constructions, adding that existing buildings could meet safety standards by installing portable fire safety systems.Mehmood also underscored his focus on fostering collaboration with the business community through advisory meetings instead of imposing penalties or sealing premises.
The ICCI president appreciated Mehmood’s collaborative approach and reaffirmed the business community’s dedication to overcoming challenges and serving the country. Qureshi outlined ICCI’s efforts to enhance services for its members, including the adoption of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to streamline procedural processes and reduce human interference. He added that ICCI is undertaking initiatives to transform into a model chamber in Pakistan.