The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) Chairman Irfan Iqbal Shiekh has appreciated the caretaker government for conducting free and fair elections, felicitating the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for getting victory in general election and pinned high hope of a new economically powerful Pakistan. The business community welcomes the victory of PTI and hopes that now uncertainty is ending and stability will come which is vital for economic growth, he added. While issuing a press statement chairman piaf Irfan Iqbal sheikh alongwith senior vice chairman Tanvir Ahmed and vice chairman Kh. Shahzeb Akram said that PIAF is hopeful that the new government, as per its manifesto, will ensure the supremacy of merit, transparency and across the board accountability, leading to progress and prosperity in the country, he stated. He said that after the successful elections now serious economic and security challenges await the new government. He stressed upon all the political parties to show unity on national issues, as Pakistan is currently facing many economic challenges, which can only be addressed through taking all necessary measures unanimously. He said that macro-economic reforms and necessary policy changes can turn Pakistan into an economic power, which is a must to tackle the challenges posed by the changing global scenario. Irfan Iqbal said that there was a dire need to get rid of the external influence to achieve the target of self-reliance and economic stability. He said that those areas should be handled carefully which were hampering collective growth of all sectors of economy. He said that business community could play the role of an Economic Force and it must be taken into confidence. He said that taxation related issues should be resolved on priority to create friendly environment for business activities. Chairman PIAF added that the new government should also help manufacturing sector to reduce its production cost. The government should also develop a policy for loss-making Public Sector Enterprises which were becoming an unbearable burden on the national economy and were eating up billions of rupees annually. Published in Daily Times, July 29th 2018.