Karachi, May 4, 2024 – Sindh Governor Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori has pledged comprehensive measures to address longstanding challenges faced by the SITE Association of Industries.
During a detailed meeting with the association’s members, the Governor outlined his approach towards systemic reforms and assured the industrial community of his unwavering support.
Governor Tessori emphasized the need for an innovative overhaul of the existing bureaucratic framework to enhance its efficiency and responsiveness to the industrial sector’s demands. He proposed the integration of experienced professionals in every governmental department to provide expert advice to ministers and secretaries. This strategy aligns with recent actions taken by the Prime Minister, who has initiated similar reforms based on these recommendations.
“The persistent issues that have plagued our industrial sectors for years require bold and unconventional solutions if we are to see any real progress,” Governor Tessori remarked during the meeting. He stressed the importance of collaborative effort and strategic thinking to achieve collective gains for the industry.
The meeting also saw participation from key figures including Zubair Motiwala, Patron-in-Chief of the SITE Association, who lauded Governor Tessori for his pro-public and industry-friendly policies. However, Motiwala expressed grave concerns regarding the detrimental impact of high energy tariffs on the industry, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which have faced severe setbacks and closures resulting in increased unemployment.
Further exacerbating the industry’s woes is the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent directive to Pakistan to hike imports, a move that could potentially cripple local manufacturing and exports. Motiwala urged for immediate governmental intervention to recalibrate energy tariffs, which are currently the highest in the region according to discussions with the Prime Minister.
The meeting also highlighted various pressing issues faced by the SITE area industries, presented by SVP Muhammad Hanif Tawakkal. These included the equitable distribution of resources to Karachi, the establishment of a Combined Effluent Treatment Plant, and acute water and gas shortages. Tawakkal specifically pointed out a staggering 300 percent increase in utility costs over the past year, pushing the industries into a severe liquidity crisis.
Chief Coordinator Saleem Parekh praised Governor Tessori’s tenure and requested his assistance in facilitating a crucial meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss pressing gas issues and the allocation of Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) funds for the SITE area.
In response to these issues, Governor Tessori highlighted several initiatives undertaken under his administration that directly benefit the public and the industrial sector, such as the distribution of rations, Rickshaws, stitching machines, and the arrangement of substantial non-refundable loans for employment schemes, all funded through contributions from the business community and overseas Pakistanis.
As the meeting concluded, Governor Tessori reiterated his commitment to using his office to foster a conducive environment for industrial growth and to ensure that the SITE area’s problems are addressed efficiently. With these concerted efforts, there is a renewed hope among Karachi’s industrialists for significant improvements in the business landscape of Sindh.