KCCI raises issues of gas, power, water with CM
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) took the issues of gas shortage, costly electricity, water scarcity, dilapidated infrastructure, transport and others to the province's chief executive.
However, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, in his meeting with the KCCI team said they were not acknowledging the provincial government that has provided ample business opportunities to the traders.
"The credit of Karachi's highest revenue generation in the national exchequer not only goes to the traders but to the provincial government also which has developed a congenial environment for trade and commerce," he said adding what he wanted from the business community was just to portray the city as peaceful, business and investment friendly.
CM Shah pointed out that for the last one month, a World Cultural Festival has been in progress with artists from 44 countries. "Various national and international events take place at the Expo Centre Karachi every month; these are loud indicators of improved law and order, stability, ample business opportunities and a conducive environment for people from different professions. Everyone must recognise and propagate," he said.
The meeting was attended by provincial ministers - Sharjeel Memon, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Jam Ikram Dharejo, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Secretary Energy, chairman P&D, Secretary to CM, Secretary Industries, Secretary Local Govt, Secretary Transport, Secretary Health and Additional IG Javed Odho. The KCCI delegation comprised of Jawed Balwani, Mian Abrar, AQ Khalil, Ziaul Arfeen, Mian Faisal and others.
The KCCI delegation raised issues of utilities such as gas shortage, costly electricity, water scarcity, dilapidated infrastructure, transport and others. At this, the concerned ministers discussed the measures being taken by them for the resolution of the issues.
The CM said that the federal government was working hard to reduce power tariffs, and his government was also taking measures to make electricity affordable. As far as the shortage of gas is concerned, he would talk to the deferral government to provide gas, being produced from Sindh so that domestic and industrial needs could be met.
Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon said due to ongoing development work of the BRT Red Line and others, flow of traffic has been affected. He added that the pace of work has been sped up so that traffic issues could be resolved.
Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said the liaison between the police and the business community has been developed. All the issues about law & order of the industrialist were being resolved with their consultation, he said. He directed Additional IG Karachi to coordinate further with the KCCI and other traders' associations and resolve their issues.
The KCCI delegation was told by the Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab that the government has started projects to provide them with water for industrial purposes
Health Secretary Rehan Baloch assured them that the OPDs of Jinnah, Civil and other hospitals would be expanded to meet the growing pressure.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the CM and the KCCI delegation agreed to resolve the outstanding issues between them and the government. The first and foremost issue was depositing the Infrastructure Cess in the Court. They agreed that they would resolve the issues so that the amount being deposited in the court could be utilised for the development of infrastructure of the city.
Murtaza Wahab said that Rs72 billions of water charges were outstanding against the businesspersons. At this, the KCCI and the mayor agreed to reconcile the amount and settle the issue.