Karachi Chamber president Talat Mahmood describes the case under the KW&SC Act 2023 as an apparent act of victimisation against a business leader.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has strongly condemned the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against an industrialist and business leader from the North Karachi Industrial Area, describing it as an apparently vindictive action that raises serious questions about the conduct of the officials involved.
KCCI President Talat Mahmood said the FIR had been registered under the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) Act, 2023. He expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the case and termed it an apparent attempt to target a business representative who had consistently raised concerns about infrastructure and utility shortages affecting industrial units.
According to Talat Mahmood, the industrialist had repeatedly highlighted the persistent shortages of water, gas and electricity faced by manufacturers, industrialists and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the North Karachi Industrial Area.
He said that instead of addressing these longstanding problems and resolving the genuine grievances of the industrial community, the concerned authorities appeared to have targeted the individual raising these concerns.
The KCCI president added that businesses were already operating under extremely difficult conditions because of disruptions and shortages in essential utilities. The inadequate supply of water, prolonged gas shortages and electricity-related problems had disrupted production, increased operating costs and weakened the competitiveness of industrial units.
He noted that these challenges were particularly affecting SMEs, which were struggling to maintain operations amid rising expenses and unreliable utility supplies.
“It is deeply regrettable that instead of demonstrating responsiveness to the genuine grievances of industrialists, the concerned authorities appear more interested in confronting industrialists,” Talat Mahmood said.
He added that public institutions were responsible for facilitating citizens, protecting businesses and resolving problems through lawful and transparent procedures rather than creating an atmosphere of fear among representatives of the business community.
Talat Mahmood categorically demanded the immediate withdrawal and cancellation of what he described as a fabricated and mala fide case against the industrialist.
He also called on the relevant authorities to ensure that no further harassment, intimidation or coercive action was taken against him.
The KCCI president’s statement comes amid broader concerns raised by Karachi’s industrial community over the availability of essential utilities and the impact of infrastructure-related problems on manufacturing activity.
Businesses in the North Karachi Industrial Area depend on reliable water, gas and electricity supplies to maintain production and meet commercial commitments. Continued disruptions can increase operational costs and create additional pressure on manufacturers, particularly smaller enterprises.