Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that Sindh is Pakistan’s energy basket. He emphasized the potential for Sindh to generate cheaper electricity from the abundant coal resources in Tharparker and by setting up gas-run power plants similar to the Sindh government’s Nooriabad Power Plant. This vision offers hope for a more affordable energy future.
“The cost of electricity including its transmission from 100 megawatts Nooriabad power plant to Karachi stood at Rs15.80 per unit whereas the industries in Karachi are being supplied electricity at the rate in between Rs48 to Rs52 per unit which is too high. We can set up more power plants by utilising our province’s gas. In that case, we can provide electricity at least 50 per cent lower than the existing tariff within the next three to five years on completion of proposed power plants”, he added while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 19th My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition here at Expo Center on Friday.
Minister for Information, Transport, Excise & Taxation Sharjeel Inam Memon, Minister for Industries & Commerce Ikramullah Khan Dharejo, Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Senator Waqar Mehdi, Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairmen BMG Anjum Nisar and Jawed Bilwani, President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, Senior Vice President Altaf A. Ghaffar, Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Barry, Chairman Special Committee for My Karachi Exhibition Muhammad Idrees, Diplomats, Managing Committee Members, Former Presidents and other distinguished members of the business community were also present on occasion.
CM Sindh further stated that Sindh produces 70 per cent of the country’s gas, and it was categorically written in Pakistan’s Constitution that the province has priority on its natural resources, including gas. Yet, instead of complying with the constitution, the industries of Karachi were being forced to take RLNG, which was a sheer injustice. This has led to more challenges, particularly rising unemployment due to the closure of industries that could not bear the high cost of doing business due to excessively high energy tariffs. “During these difficult times, we all, including the government, industry and common man, should stay united and contribute in whatever we can for the progress and prosperity of Karachi, Sindh and Pakistan.” This call for unity and contribution fosters a sense of responsibility in all stakeholders.
He said that despite so many challenges and complexities, Karachi and its business community remain resilient, making this city an Oasis of Harmony and Hope for the entire country. “It is a city where all types of languages are spoken, and people not only from all parts of Pakistan but also from many parts of the world come here in search of economic opportunities,” he added.
He said that although the progress of the entire Pakistan depends on Karachi’s progress and prosperity, the city’s industries are being forced to become inefficient. “We have to come out of it and raise a strong voice against such injustices being done to Karachi and Sindh by fervently demanding the province’s constitutional right to its gas resources.”
Murad Ali Shah further informed us that the Sindh government will spend more than Rs200 billion on infrastructure development projects in Karachi from 2024 to 25. “As K-IV continues to face delays, the Sindh government is constructing a water canal from Hub, which would provide an additional 50MGD to Karachi upon its completion in one year. “We all must work together for the progress and prosperity of Karachi, the heart of Pakistan and a city capable of ensuring prosperity for the entire Sindh and the rest of Pakistan. We are also actively working to effectively deal with street crimes, which is not an easy thing to do keeping in view the huge size of this city”, he said, adding that an environment has to be created that leads to improving Karachi’s existing exports from 54 per cent to 80 per cent.
Referring to the initiative the Late Siraj Teli took, Murad Ali Shah said, “Siraj Teli did a tremendous job, and we can actually feel his presence here today. Whenever I think of KCCI, the business community, or My Karachi Exhibition, Siraj Teli is the first person to come to mind.” He added that he appreciated KCCI for continuing this exhibition with the same zeal.
Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, in his remarks, stressed that the business community direly needs the CM’s support in dealing with numerous issues that have been pending for a long time, particularly the gas and electricity tariffs, which have resulted in the closure of many industrial units. He also sought the CM’s help in resolving the water shortage issue faced by Karachi’s industries.
He said Karachi’s industries were compelled to pay RLNG charges, which was unfair as Sindh produces 70 percent of gas. “RLNG should be supplied to other provinces, and Sindh’s demand for gas should be catered through indigenous gas resources,” he added while seeking the Chief Minister’s help in dealing with this issue.
Highlighting the purpose and salient features of My Karachi Exhibition, he appreciated Iran, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Russia, Vietnam, China, Korea, Philippines, Oman, Indonesia, Bahrain and other countries for their participation in the 19th My Karachi Exhibition, which was being staged every year to portray the positive image of Karachi and this exhibition is not only recognised in Pakistan but all over the world. “This exhibition successfully showcases what is being produced in Pakistan and how excellently the manufacturing and trading sectors are performing”, he added while requesting the diplomats to convey a positive message about Karachi in their reports to respective countries.
Earlier, President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, while warmly welcoming the guests, stated that My Karachi offers an ideal platform for Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer interactions, complemented by a range of recreational activities that attract a million Karachiites annually. “This expo is not just a celebration of Karachi’s rich cultural heritage, but also a testament to its position as a key economic hub.”
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to participants for contributing to the success of 19th My Karachi Harmony. “Let us make the most of this opportunity to forge new connections, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to a prosperous future.”
2nd-day programme
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hold a seminar on Sustainable Tech: Green Entrepreneurship, Climate Tech, and Eco-Friendly Innovation on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Karachi Expo Centre Adjacent Hall No. 6. Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori has consented to be the Chief Guest at the Seminar.
