LAHORE: Force Commander, Regional Directorate of Anti Narcotics Force Punjab Brigadier Mahmod ul Hassan has said that Anti-Narcotics Force is meant to guide and help the business community instead of creating troubles for them.
He was talking to LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad, Vice President Nasir Saeed and Executive Committee Members here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Brigadier Mahmood ul Hassan also announced to form a committee comprising LCCI, Customs Department and ANF to resolve the issues of business community regarding their consignments.
“The results would be speedier than expectations provided the decisions are made with the consultation of the stakeholders”, he said. He said that Customs Department would be approached soon for the formation of the committee.
He informed the participants of the meeting that Anti-Narcotics department is tasked with combating the narcotics smuggling and use. He said that the department will not allow any drug smuggler to tarnish the image of Pakistan and will safeguard the new generation from become victim of narcotics at any cost.
Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI president Sheikh Muhammad Arshad Commerce & Industry appreciates ANF Drug Free City campaign as it was need of the hour. He said that use of drug is harmful for the entire society and there is a dire need to promote healthy activities among youth.
He said that a number of chemicals are being used in educational institutes as well as in number of industries. These chemicals are freely traded and used in other countries but it seems that without taking due consideration, undue checks have been imposed and due to that a lot of people associated with these sectors are facing problems.
Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that if a businessman completes all the necessary formalities like LCCI membership certificate, NTN and Sales Tax registration then he should be allowed sale and purchase of all the chemicals.
He said that a number of LCCI members have complained that ANF staff destroys the packing of export shipment while checking which is affecting the exporters badly as foreign buyers raise fingers on bad packing. He said that ANF staff should be careful in this regard.
The LCCI vice president Nasir Saeed said that rules and regulations should be different for small and large scale businesses. He said that the LCCI members are facing troubles in getting NOC and required license for chemical business. He said that procedures should be easy and one window operation should be introduced for such businessmen.
Nasir said that the LCCI is making all out efforts to raise voice at policy corridors. He said that the visit of ANF Force Commander would go a long way in creating good for the economy of Pakistan.