The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to call off its planned long march towards Islamabad, saying prolonged political protests could disrupt economic activity and add pressure to an already challenging economic environment.
PBF Chief Organiser Ahmed Jawad called on political parties to resolve their differences through Parliament instead of relying on long marches, sit-ins and street protests. The remarks come ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 march towards the federal capital.
PBF Raises Economic Concerns
Ahmed Jawad said political polarisation and prolonged protests can affect businesses, investment and overall economic activity. He stressed that the country needs greater political stability to support economic growth and attract investment.
The business forum has called for political parties to focus on issues affecting the economy and work towards consensus rather than allowing political confrontation to disrupt commercial activity.
The call comes amid preparations by PTI for its Islamabad long march. PTI leaders have said the party plans to proceed with the protest and have described it as a constitutional and democratic right.
Call for an Economic Charter
The PBF chief organiser also called for an “Economic Charter” instead of what he described as a “Sit-in Charter.”
He said political parties should agree on a broader economic framework that could provide greater policy continuity and encourage investment, business expansion and long-term economic activity.
The forum has previously advocated stronger cooperation between policymakers and the private sector on economic matters.
Protests and Economic Activity
The PBF’s concerns come as several political and social groups have announced protest activities in Islamabad. The government has also warned about the possible economic impact of strikes, sit-ins and long marches.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb recently said disruptions caused by such activities could result in significant daily economic losses, citing an estimated impact of Rs120 billion per day.
The estimate has been presented by the government as part of its argument about the economic costs of prolonged disruptions.
PTI Plans Islamabad March
PTI announced that it would hold a long march towards Islamabad on September 27. Party leaders have said the protest will focus on issues including the release of party founder Imran Khan, constitutional matters and what they describe as political and legal grievances.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said the party intends to keep the protest peaceful and follow the rule of law during the march.
With the planned protest approaching, the PBF has urged political stakeholders to avoid prolonged disruptions and instead use Parliament and dialogue to address political differences.
Business Community Seeks Stability
The business forum said political stability remains important for maintaining investor confidence and supporting economic activity.
It urged political parties and policymakers to prioritise measures that can strengthen the business environment and provide greater certainty for investors and businesses.
The PBF’s appeal adds to the ongoing debate over the economic impact of political protests, with the business community highlighting concerns about disruption while PTI maintains that peaceful political protest is part of the democratic process.
Also read: Mahmood Khan Calls for Dialogue Over PTI Protests
