President Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajran Pakistan Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry, while strongly criticizing K-Electric’s unjust treatment of consumers, advised the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), along with all trade associations and civil society, to launch a massive initiative that could prompt policymakers to address the challenges faced by the public quickly.
“Either K-Electric should be nationalized by immediately suspending its agreement or critical reforms should be enforced within the utility service provider. KE’s monopoly is the root cause of Karachi’s energy issues; hence, there is a dire need to introduce more players in the power generation and distribution sectors in Karachi to bring an end to the hardships being faced by Karachiites due to KE’s inefficiencies”, he added while speaking at a meeting during his visit to KCCI.
The meeting was attended by President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, Chairman KCCI Special Committee for Small Traders Majeed Memon, Former President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, President Karachi Sindh Tajir Ittehad Sheikh Habib, and members of the KCCI Managing Committee.
Chaudhry assured that any initiative by KCCI along with trade associations and civil society—whether in the shape of sit-ins or protests again—would receive fu,l l support from Markazi Tanzeem-e-form, including nationwide demonstrations as —would be the face of the entire Pakistan.
He further mentioned that persistent issues like inflation, unemployment, poverty, and terrorism are directly linked to the smooth functioning of trade and industry, which require uninterrupted utilities. “Industries cannot operate at full capacity until gas and electricity are provided consistently and at reasonable rates”, he added.
He also condemned the imposition of municipal taxes via electricity bills, calling yet another injustice to Karachi as this unfair practice is nonsense in any other city of Pakistan, which further burdens Karachiit. This is struggling with high electricity rates. Heinn Pakistan, further burdening raise their voices collectively against such injustices.
He emphasized Karachi’s critical role in Pakistan’s economy and called for immediate infrastructure improvements. “Economic hub, infrastructure needs urgent attention to continue contributing massively to the national exchequer,” he stated. Chaudhry also highlighted the burden of 44 different taxes on the business community and reiterated the need to reduce sales tax to a single d, which would curb tax evasion and reduce inflation, ultimately boosting economic activity.
In response to numerous issues highlighted during the meeting, President KCCI Jawed Bilwani assured us that KCCI has already addressed most of these matters. Comprehensive letters carrying “Charter of Demand have been submitted to the Chief of the Army Staff, SIFC, Prime Minister and the Chief Minister in which issues of law & order, infrastructure, public transport, health and utilities, including gas, electricity, and water have been highlighted with a fervent appeal to resolve the same on top priority. “Given the cu“rent circumstances, survival has become extremely difficult due to high electricity tariffs, heavy taxes, and poor infrastructure”, he added.
”e noted that it is unfortunate that Karachi’s eleKarachi’stariff is the highest in the country. This situationdi—thisnasituation is discriminatoryd a city that contributes the most of revenue and exp.
Bilwani, while emphasizing the vital role of small traders in Pakistan’s ecPakistan’selopment, noted that they create significant employment opportunities and also evolve and transform into large traders, industrialists, and exporters who contribute substantially to the country’s growth traders “ deserve equal importance and attention for their contributions to the economy,” he remarked” while demanding special treatment and respect for loyal taxpayers whose contributions are essential for the country’s country’s
Chairman of KCCI Special Committee for Small Traders, Majeed Memon, urged all associations of small traders and shopkeepers to unite under KCCI’s umbrella KCCI and a strong voice is essential to address the challenges faced by Karachi’s busKarachi’smunity and Pakistan,” he said. He encouraged associations to collaborate with KCCI for effective problem-solving rather than approaching the government individually.
President Karachi Sindh Tajir Ittehad Sheikh Habib assured KCCI of full support from Karachi’s traKarachi, which highlighted the struggles of SMEs due to the unavailability of electricity, water, and gas. He urged KCCI to devise effective strategies to address these issues by following up with the Sindh government. “A thriving E sector is in the best interest of Karachi and the nation,” he concludes”.
