Addressing industrialists at the Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade & Industry, Rawal Sharjeel Memon stated that Hyderabad is the business hub of Sindh and plays a vital role in the province’s economic development. He emphasized that the province’s and the country’s economies cannot be improved unless the issues faced by industries are resolved as a priority.
He assured the business community that a comprehensive meeting would be convened with the Senior Minister of Sindh, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce, Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, and officers from all relevant departments to address critical issues related to electricity, gas supply, and industrial infrastructure. He further pledged to bring the Provincial IT Minister to Hyderabad to initiate the digitalization of the SITE Limited system. In addition, he announced that solar street lights equipped with surveillance cameras would be installed on all roads in SITE Hyderabad through the Deputy Commissioner, Hyderabad, and that the long-standing issue of HESCO road blockages in the SITE area would be resolved at the earliest. He described the meeting as the first step toward strengthening coordination, expressing confidence that engagement with traders and industrialists in Hyderabad would improve further in the future.
Earlier, Chairman of the Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade and Industry, Zubair Ghangra, while welcoming Rawal Sharjeel Memon, remarked that although he does not currently hold a government position, his keen interest in business matters and his direct engagement with the business community are highly commendable. He stated that promoting industry and trade is the foundation of a strong economy, and that meaningful dialogue between political leadership and the business community is indispensable. The Chairman expressed hope that the industrial issues of SITE Hyderabad—particularly energy shortages, infrastructure deficiencies, and rising business costs would be effectively conveyed to the senior leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Government of Sindh, paving the way for increased industrialization, investment, and employment.
Senior Vice Chairman HSATI, Amir Shahab, presented a detailed overview of the issues faced by SITE Hyderabad. He noted that SITE Hyderabad is the second-largest industrial zone in Sindh, housing over 600 industrial units that employ thousands of people. However, due to low gas pressure, unannounced shutdowns, high tariffs, complicated licensing procedures, and poor infrastructure, industrial production has declined by 30 to 40 percent. He pointed out that industries in Punjab and other countries are being offered better facilities and incentives, whereas disparities have adversely affected investment in Sindh. He urged the government to introduce a special gas tariff for SITE Hyderabad, implement a digital one-window licensing system, upgrade infrastructure, and appoint a dedicated focal person to ensure effective coordination between the government and the business community to revive industry and strengthen the economy.
On the occasion, President of Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry, Muhammad Saleem Memon, stated that HCSTSI has consistently raised the issues of SITE Hyderabad at various government forums, resulting in the approval of an Rs. 1,100 million infrastructure grant. However, he regretted that the full release of the grant is still pending and demanded its immediate disbursement to transform SITE Hyderabad into a model industrial zone. He also expressed concern that Sindh Cabinet ministers often do not meet with the business community during their visits to Hyderabad, but termed Rawal Sharjeel Inam Memon’s visit a positive development, hoping it would initiate direct dialogue with the Chief Minister of Sindh and senior cabinet members.
The event was attended by Senior Vice President of the Jamshoro Chamber, Mahmood; Patron of HCSTSI, Seth Amin Khatri; Senior Vice President of HCSTSI, Ahmed Idrees Chohan; Chairman of KATI, Khalil Baloch; office-bearers from Nooriabad; and a large number of industrialists from SITE Hyderabad.
The program was hosted by Ali Ahmed Ghangra, Director of Unique Group of Companies, while Owais Ghangra delivered a warm and comprehensive welcome address in honor of the distinguished guests.
