GUJRAT: The local business fraternity has lodged a strong protest against the alleged uploading of video clips on social media, showing raids on their businesses and sealing of factories, shops etc, by ofñcials of different government departments, causing them embarrassment.
The businessmen also criticised the ofñcials for their alleged misbehaviour and highhandedness while dealing with them during inspections of their premises.
Local businessmen also raised these issues with Gujranwala Commissioner Muhammad Ali during an interactive session at the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GtCCI), where newly appointed Gujrat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Khurram Shahzad and others were also present.
During the session, a veteran industrialist and former GtCCI president, Bau Muneer, complained that an assistant commissioner ‘unlawfully’ stopped a truck carrying goods from his factory, misbehaved when he requested the vehicle’s release and uploaded the episode on social media, causing embarrassment to him. He argued that businessmen deserve respect both ascitizens and taxpayers contributing to the national economy.
Another trader lodged a complaint against the officials of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera), alleging they insulted him in the market.
Some other meeting participants also criticised the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) officials alleging misbehaviour during inspections and uploading of videos on social media, besides sealing the business premises.
They urged the commissioner to intervene and bar the officials from sharing videos of inspections and sealing of the business premises. In case of any violation, only a fine should be imposed, they said.
The commissioner assured them of the resolution of these issues.
In response to the demand from the local business fraternity, the commissioner announced the establishment of a Business Facilitation Centre at the GtCCI a one-window facility for issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) for business start-ups.
He also directed the departments concerned to appoint staff at their counters at the GtCCI.
Waseem Ashraf Butt