Karachi has been systematically ruined, says Ahmed Shah

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

KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, Vice-Chairman Javed Balwani, Senior Vice President Altaf A. Ghaffar, and Vice President Tanveer Barry, along with other officials, briefed Ahmed Shah on issues facing the business community.

Talking to the media, the provincial minister said all the people of the chamber are his friends, we remember Siraj Qasim Teli for his significant contributions. Positive endeavours of the Arts Council have been instrumental during the tenure of the chamber’s leadership, he added.

During a media interaction, Shah expressed his close ties to the city, stating, “I live and die with Karachi; this city has given a lot to all of us, and I want to pay the debt of this city.” He acknowledged the significant role of the business community, emphasizing the need for investments and support to prevent capital flight.

Shah addressed concerns related to traffic problems and pledged to engage with the mayor and law enforcement agencies for solutions. He also highlighted the importance of cleanliness and discussed plans to collaborate with solid waste management. Additionally, he raised issues related to tax policies, infrastructure cess and the economic challenges faced by Karachi chamber.

He stated that we are humiliated in the world because we are economically weak, and external interference increases in our private policies. If we had invested in our business community, we wouldn’t have to look towards foreign countries; a substantial capital has left Pakistan.

He said investors were harassed to the extent that they left. The country’s system was running on taxpayers, and if a businessman’s business thrives, capital would accumulate. He asserted that the punishment for tax evaders is greater than murder in America. The issue of infrastructure will be presented to the chief minister, and there is immense pressure on Sindh, he added.

“Karachi was systematically ruined. I feel no shame in saying this. The city has suffered a lot in the last forty years. Whenever the chief of army staff meets the business community, Karachi is the General Headquarters (GHQ) of business. We face security risks at Afghanistan’s border.”

He further highlighted that our biggest problem is the current state of law and order. During elections, all sorts of thieves and criminals emerge, and there is an urgent need for us to transform our city into a smart city. The government’s failure to provide facilities leads the business community to address them through charity, he said, adding that harming Karachi means jamming the wheel of the economy. “I will definitely talk to the interior minister and other officials to solve the problems of the business community.”

KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh praised Ahmed Shah’s contributions. He stated that Shah visited the Karachi Chamber in his capacity as caretaker provincial minister for information, marking his transition from his previous role as the president of the Arts Council.

He said the honour bestowed upon Ahmed Shah by Allah has come with increased responsibilities. Years ago, the Arts Council faced challenging circumstances, but under Ahmed Shah’s leadership, it transformed into an exemplary institution. Not only did it become a hub for artists, but the business community also began participating as members of the Arts Council under Ahmed Shah’s guidance, he said.

During the briefing, concerns were raised about the deteriorating condition of roads in Jodia Bazaar, a key area in Karachi, and the challenges faced by the business community, including traffic and cleanliness issues. The historical building of the Karachi Chamber also came under discussion, with difficulties highlighted in securing renovations.

He stated that we have failed to adorn and renovate the historical building of the Karachi Chamber. He mentioned that since 1988, revenues from the infrastructure cess have been collected at the Karachi port. Thus far, billions of rupees have been generated, with proportions ranging from 0.50% to 1.1%. It was explained that the income from the cess is not allocated for the development of Karachi’s infrastructure; instead, the revenue collected through the infrastructure cess is transferred to the Chief Minister House’s accounts.

The Karachi Chamber advocates for the establishment of a separate account for the infrastructure cess within the board, with representation from the Karachi Chamber to ensure transparent and dedicated utilization of the funds for the development of Karachi’s infrastructure.

Vice-Chairman BMG Javed Balwani addressed the financial aspects, revealing that an annual sum of 127 billion rupees is collected in the form of infrastructure cess on imports through the Karachi port. The income from the infrastructure cess is consolidated into a joint account of the Sindh government. He further highlighted that despite the payments of the cess, Karachi’s roads are in a dilapidated condition. In conclusion, the visit aimed to foster collaboration between the provincial government and the business sector, with a focus on addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Karachi. Ahmed Shah assured ongoing efforts to engage with relevant authorities and find holistic solutions for the city’s revitalization.