Karachi: Interim Minister Sindh for Information, Minority Affairs and Social Protection, President Arts Council Karachi Ahmed Shah visited Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to discuss key issues affecting city’s business landscape.

President of Chamber Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, Vice-Chairman Javed Balwani, senior Vice President Altaf A. Ghaffar and Vice President Tanveer Barry, along with officials welcomed him. During meeting, he was made aware of issues facing by business community.

Later talking to media he said that all people of chamber are my friends, we remember Siraj Qasim Teli to his significant contributions. Positive endeavours of Arts Council have been instrumental during tenure of Chamber’s leadership.

“I live and die with Karachi; this city has given lot to all of us and I want to pay debt of this city.” He acknowledged significant role of business community, emphasising need for investments and support to prevent capital flight. On traffic problems he pledged to engage with mayor and law enforcement agencies for solutions. He highlighted importance of cleanliness and discussed plans to collaborate with solid waste management. He raised issues related to tax policies, infrastructure cess and economic challenges faced by Karachi Chamber.

Country’s system is running on taxpayers. If businessman’s business thrives, capital will accumulate. He asserted that punishment for tax evaders is greater than murder in America. Issue of infrastructure will be presented to interim Chief Minister.

Whenever Chief of Army Staff meets business community, Karachi is General Headquarters of business. We face security risks at Afghanistan’s border. He highlighted that our biggest problem is current state of law and order.

President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh praised Ahmed Shah’s contributions. Vice-Chairman BMG Javed Balwani revealed an annual sum of 127 billion rupees is collected in form of infrastructure cess on imports through Karachi Port. Income from infrastructure cess is consolidated into joint account of Sindh government. He highlighted that despite payments of cess, Karachi’s roads are in dilapidated condition.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 11 2024

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