Change not visible yet, business leader tells Sindh governor
Says there is no use of complaining as complaints take a month to reach Islamabad
Says there is no use of complaining as complaints take a month to reach Islamabad. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) slogan of change has brought it to power but Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) leader Siraj Kassam Teli has told Sindh Governor Imran Ismail that change is yet to be seen.
Ismail visited the KCCI on Saturday where the business leader apprised him of the business community’s grievances.
Teli pointed out that Karachi had always faced treatment like that of a step-mother, whether during the PML-N or PPP tenure, and the city had been largely ignored. “Things are not looking different either under the PTI’s term,” he said.
Govt determined to fix Karachi issues: PM Imran
“The change is yet to be seen,” said Teli, but he was quick to add that they were not expecting a turnaround in the first few days of the newly formed government.
He said people at least wanted to see things start moving in the direction of change, which had not been the case, as things had been unraveling just as they were under the previous administrations.
However, Teli did not hold Prime Minister Imran Khan responsible for that, saying there was a rigid bureaucracy that needed to be handled as it was the culprit that was hindering change.
Meanwhile, he highlighted several grievances including the lack of infrastructure in the city, gas price hike and harassment of businessmen, who opted for the amnesty scheme, by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
PTI to end quota system in Sindh: Imran Ismail
Teli lamented that there was a communication gap between the government and the business community. “What’s the use of complaining when our complaints take a month to reach Islamabad,” he asked.
Ismail responded that what the FIA had been doing was not the PTI government’s policy and assured businessmen that he would look into it. He also promised to establish a business committee and take on board not only the KCCI but other chambers and associations as well.
“I will head the committee and will serve as a postman to take your messages to the prime minister and finance minister,” Ismail said.
He emphasised that the Karachi Circular Railway and a railway line from Cantt to Landhi would be established and discussions were under way with Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed. “The government is now looking for funding partners,” he said.
Tenders had also been floated for expanding the fire brigade department, he said and sought proposals from the KCCI as well.
Ismail revealed that a water desalination plant would be established at Karachi Port. Meanwhile, the government would also introduce reforms in the police department.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2018.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) slogan of change has brought it to power but Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) leader Siraj Kassam Teli has told Sindh Governor Imran Ismail that change is yet to be seen.
Ismail visited the KCCI on Saturday where the business leader apprised him of the business community’s grievances.
Teli pointed out that Karachi had always faced treatment like that of a step-mother, whether during the PML-N or PPP tenure, and the city had been largely ignored. “Things are not looking different either under the PTI’s term,” he said.
Govt determined to fix Karachi issues: PM Imran
“The change is yet to be seen,” said Teli, but he was quick to add that they were not expecting a turnaround in the first few days of the newly formed government.
He said people at least wanted to see things start moving in the direction of change, which had not been the case, as things had been unraveling just as they were under the previous administrations.
However, Teli did not hold Prime Minister Imran Khan responsible for that, saying there was a rigid bureaucracy that needed to be handled as it was the culprit that was hindering change.
Meanwhile, he highlighted several grievances including the lack of infrastructure in the city, gas price hike and harassment of businessmen, who opted for the amnesty scheme, by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
PTI to end quota system in Sindh: Imran Ismail
Teli lamented that there was a communication gap between the government and the business community. “What’s the use of complaining when our complaints take a month to reach Islamabad,” he asked.
Ismail responded that what the FIA had been doing was not the PTI government’s policy and assured businessmen that he would look into it. He also promised to establish a business committee and take on board not only the KCCI but other chambers and associations as well.
“I will head the committee and will serve as a postman to take your messages to the prime minister and finance minister,” Ismail said.
He emphasised that the Karachi Circular Railway and a railway line from Cantt to Landhi would be established and discussions were under way with Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed. “The government is now looking for funding partners,” he said.
Tenders had also been floated for expanding the fire brigade department, he said and sought proposals from the KCCI as well.
Ismail revealed that a water desalination plant would be established at Karachi Port. Meanwhile, the government would also introduce reforms in the police department.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2018.