LAHORE (Special Correspondent) – Prime Minister’s Adviser on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has stated that strengthening the industrial sector, attracting new investment, increasing exports, and providing a conducive business environment for the private sector are essential for sustainable economic growth. Addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Khan emphasized that the government is actively collaborating with the business community to promote industrial development, facilitate operations, generate employment opportunities, and remove unnecessary regulatory hurdles. He highlighted that the business community remains a fundamental pillar of the national economy, necessitating policies that build investor confidence while supporting the long-term growth of trade and industry. Mr. Khan further noted that the government is currently finalizing industrial policy and regulatory reforms designed to protect businesses from harassment, arbitrary inspections, and unwarranted official actions. He stressed that the indiscriminate use of First Information Reports (FIRs) in business-related disputes and punitive measures, such as the freezing of business accounts, should be avoided, urging that transparency and due process must be prioritized in all legal proceedings. The Adviser underscored that state institutions should adopt a cooperative approach, arguing that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other relevant departments must balance revenue collection objectives with the imperative of business growth, as a robust private sector is vital for economic stability. LCCI President Mr. Ali Hussam Asghar welcomed Mr. Khan’s stance, noting that while the business community is committed to the country’s economic development, traders and industrialists frequently face systemic challenges due to the excessive discretionary powers held by various government departments. He clarified that the Lahore Chamber does not oppose the enforcement of law; however, he argued that harassment and the registration of FIRs for minor technical violations are detrimental to the national commercial climate. Mr. Asghar proposed that fines and corrective guidance should be prioritized over criminal litigation for minor offenses. He also advocated for a system of advance notices and reasonable grace periods to allow businesses to rectify environmental compliance issues, ensuring that regulatory adherence does not unnecessarily disrupt commercial operations. LCCI Senior Vice President Mr. Sardar Usman Ghani echoed these sentiments, stating that strong, transparent relations between the government and the private sector are a prerequisite for economic progress. He urged that the private sector be formally consulted during the policymaking process to ensure that obstacles are effectively removed. LCCI Vice President Mr. Chaudhry Khadim Hussain added that continued consultation and cooperation between policymakers and the business community are the most effective tools to resolve ongoing industrial challenges. The meeting was attended by a broad delegation, including former LCCI President Mr. Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman, former Senior Vice President Mr. Nasir Hameed Khan, former Vice President Mr. Haris Ateeq, Mr. Mian Sohail Nisar, and Mr. Amjad Chaudhary. Also present were LCCI Executive Committee members Mr. Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim, Mr. Syed Azmat Ali, Mr. Muhammad Ijaz Ghouri, Mr. Ali Raza, Mr. Adeel Babar Khan, Mr. Muhammad Ali, Mr. Muhammad Yaseen, and Mr. Shah Bahram.