Karachi, January 16, 2024 – The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) took a proactive stance on Tuesday as it assured shopkeepers and small traders of its commitment to resolving the challenges they face.
Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, the President of KCCI, addressed concerns raised by members of the All City Tajir Ittehad (ACTI), a representative body for small traders and shopkeepers, during their visit to KCCI.
President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, recognizing the difficulties faced by shopkeepers amid various challenges, affirmed KCCI’s role as a facilitator for the entire business community. He pledged to prioritize and address issues related to law and order, civic amenities, and infrastructure with the relevant departments to ensure swift relief for the affected shopkeepers.
During the meeting, President Sheikh stated, “Most ACTI representatives are concerned over rising street crimes and lack of civic facilities. Hence, KCCI’s Law & Order Subcommittee would certainly take up all these law & order issues with relevant high-ups in the police department.” He also committed to discussing deteriorating road conditions with the Mayor of Karachi, devising an action plan to efficiently handle Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) related issues.
The meeting, attended by key figures such as President ACTI Hammad Poonawala, Senior Vice President Altaf A. Ghaffar, Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Barry, Chairman Special Committee for Small Traders Majeed Memon, Chairman Law & Order Subcommittee Yousuf Yaqoob, and other KCCI Managing Committee members, emphasized collaboration between KCCI and small traders.
President Sheikh encouraged shopkeepers to actively engage with KCCI, expressing the chamber’s commitment to serving them around the clock without discrimination. He urged them to become part of subcommittees that would bring various issues to KCCI’s attention, assuring that these concerns would be promptly addressed with the relevant departments.
Highlighting the significance of small traders under BMG’s policy of ‘Public Service,’ President Sheikh acknowledged the essential role played by Chairman of the Special Committee for Small Traders Majeed Memon in uniting them under KCCI’s umbrella.
Chairman Majeed Memon affirmed KCCI’s unwavering support for small traders and shopkeepers, inviting them to seek assistance from the chamber at any time.
Members of ACTI presented numerous issues faced by traders and shopkeepers, including a surge in street crimes, dacoities, extortion demands, and deteriorating road infrastructure in commercial markets. They called for KCCI’s intervention in addressing problems caused by FBR officials, who they claimed were harassing small traders for personal gain.
President ACTI Hammad Poonawala applauded the reactivation of the Rangers Complaint and Monitoring Cell, offering a means for fearlessly lodging complaints related to law and order incidents, particularly extortion cases.
In response to the rising incidents of extortion chits and snatching, President Shershah Kabari Market Sheikh Shahid urged intensified police and Rangers patrolling, as well as the establishment of pickets in vulnerable markets to prevent untoward incidents. As KCCI takes a proactive stance, the business community looks forward to collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring a conducive environment for small traders and shopkeepers in Karachi.
