Karachi, March 5, 2024 – The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called upon Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate remedial measures to create a more business-friendly environment.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office, Chairman of the Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala and President of KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh urged the Prime Minister to resume discussions initiated during the final days of his previous tenure.
Motiwala and Sheikh highlighted that despite assurances made during the previous tenure, several issues affecting the business community remain unresolved, with new challenges emerging over time. They specifically pointed to the escalating energy tariffs, which are having a detrimental impact on industries and SMEs, necessitating the Prime Minister’s intervention.
The letter also requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit the Karachi Chamber as soon as he arrives in Karachi after assuming office. This visit, according to the KCCI leadership, would provide the business community with an opportunity to bring unresolved issues to the forefront, fostering a dialogue to address the challenges faced by industries and businesses.
The BMG and KCCI leadership congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his second term and expressed their pride in having a seasoned and visionary politician lead the country. They pledged full support and cooperation from Karachi’s business community, hoping that the Prime Minister would take concrete steps to stabilize democracy and navigate the country’s economy through its critical stage.
In addition to acknowledging the Prime Minister, the leadership also extended congratulations to Murad Ali Shah, the 25th Chief Minister of Sindh, and applauded his recent call for federal funding for the K-IV project. They urged CM Murad Ali Shah to continue advocating for the implementation of Article 158 of the Constitution, emphasizing the acute gas shortage and the need for intervention to address enhanced RLNG prices.
The BMG and KCCI extended their felicitations to Maryam Nawaz on becoming the first Female Chief Minister of Punjab. Expressing full support and cooperation, they hoped CM Maryam Nawaz would work closely with the federal government and Sindh province for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
A congratulatory letter was also sent to Chief Minister Baluchistan Sarfaraz Bugti, with hopes that he would take concrete steps to combat smuggling and drug mafias, improve law and order, and prioritize crucial development projects.
The KCCI leadership invited all Chief Ministers to visit the Karachi Chamber for a meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest and address critical issues impacting the economy, trade, and industry. This collaborative approach is envisioned to pave the way for effective solutions and policy implementations for the betterment of the entire nation.
