Businessmen Group (BMG) Chairman Zubair Motiwala and Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Idrees, expressed deep concerns over the recent devastations in the city after rains and called for immediate relief. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala lamented that even after 75 years of the country’s independence, the largest industrial hub and commercial capital of Pakistan which contributes 54% to country’s total exports, 65% to national exchequer and 95% to the total Provincial taxes and levies is in a state of total mess.
He said that no city can be sustained this way when Karachi’s average rainfall of 85.5mm in July 2021 is much less than the rain recorded in Mumbai (800mm), and Kolkata (411mm) but the devastation was higher by manifolds. He said, “I request the Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Minister Sindh Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Administrator Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab to visit KCCI and discuss issues of Karachi. He urged them to explain how long it will take to complete the restoration of debilitated infrastructure of Karachi and what are the medium term and long term measures for the next Monsoon season.
“Even though the Karachi package of Rs. 1.1 Trillion was announced to revive the city and manage disasters, the progress on this package is not visible in the city at all and requires an audit of where the fund was spent. KCCI should be taken on board on issues pertaining to Karachi for a sustainable solution of the never ending miseries of Karachiites”, he added.
He appealed to declare Karachi as a calamity-hit area and accordingly a major relief package should be announced for the people and businessmen who have suffered intense losses due to the devastations cause by heavy spell of monsoon rains. The billing dates of K-Electric and SSGC can be extended to provide some respite to the Karachiites. Tax relief should be announced on provincial taxes to compensate for immense losses due to rain disaster.
Other leaders of Businessmen Group including Mr. Tahir Khaliq, Mr. Haroon Farooki, Mr. Anjum Nisar, Vice Chairmen BMG & Former Presidents KCCI, Mr. Jawed Bilwani Vice Chairman BMG & Former Senior Vice President KCCI also stressed upon the need to improve the situation of Karachi by properly managing it as an important revenue generating mega city.
President KCCI Muhammad Idrees questioned about the fate of Karachi as the citizens particularly the business community has stormed the Karachi Chamber of Commerce with piles of complaints asking when will the situation of Karachi get any better, what the government is doing and what has KCCI done to resolve their basic issues. A significant area of Karachi is in darkness as over a hundred feeders of electricity supply on the network of K-Electric have tripped after rains.
“It is so unfortunate that the rain water conduits have been let to be encroached by slums, builders, in some cases even elite colonies like in case of DHA Phase VII-Extension through land plotting which resulted in constriction and at some places complete blockage of natural drainage system. The land reclamation on the natural rain water channels was recently witnessed in DHA Phase VIII Creek Lane where a marriage hall is set up as well. Consequently, the sewerage system collapsed in the recent rain spell and the dirty sewerage water flooded many road and houses in Karachi even after the rain had stopped,” said President KCCI.
Rain water has also submerged some of the areas at the port terminals which is restricting port activities as well which is a very serious issue hampering trade activities”, he added.
The NFC awards 2009 as a result of the 18th Amendment have bestowed more powers and funds to provinces. As per Budget FY23, Sindh will receive Rs1.029 trillion in the FY23 under NFC while allocation for Karachi-based development schemes has been kept at meagre Rs118 billion. Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) also managed to collect 21% higher sales tax on services amounting to Rs132 billion during first 11 months (July – May) FY22. However, Karachi remained deprived of required infrastructure development fund even though Sindh also collected Billions of rupees under Infrastructure Cess in 2020-21.
The issues of Karachi remain unresolved as the provincial and federal governments resort to blame game. The provincial and Federal manage only 30% of the city while the remaining 70% is under the control of cantonment boards which is akin to having a state within a state and the city remains mismanaged due to overlapping authority and unclear scope of work.
He warned that if the problems of the people are not addressed amicably and promptly, they will be compelled to opt for city wide demonstrations as progress of the government is not visible and the city has come to a standstill after the recent spell of rains.
Abdul Rasheed President SITE stated that the infrastructure of Karachi was already in tatters, which has been further destroyed by the Monsoon rains. This situation due to urban flooding has severely impacted the businesses and industries as they are finding it impossible to function and keep their businesses operational.
Faisal Moiz Khan President North Karachi Association of Trade & Industry said that Industrialists are suffering due to intense rainfall and urban flooding due to which production has not started yet and does not appear to start any soon.
Amir Hasan Lari President SITE Super Highway lamented that today people suffer with host of issues like there is no petrol in the pumping stations, no electricity at homes, shops and offices, and no decent infrastructure to commute. People are facing shortage of water, gas and other amenities. He sought a proper solution to the host of issues being faced by Karachi.
Nisar Palla President Landhi Association of Trade & Industry appealed to the government to ensure all the basic amenities and infrastructure which is very vital for the sustainable economic growth of the country.