Karachi, May 19, 2025 – A delegation of National Assembly members visited the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to gather key proposals and insights for the formulation of the Federal Budget 2025–26.
The visit marked a significant move to ensure the upcoming budget reflects the ground realities of Pakistan’s economic powerhouse—Karachi.
Leading the delegation, MNA Arshad Abdullah Vohra urged KCCI to submit comprehensive budget proposals tailored to the city’s challenges. He emphasized that while the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has already submitted its initial recommendations, input from KCCI would be formally endorsed by the party to support Karachi’s case at the national level. “The National Assembly’s Finance Committee is convening on May 22, and KCCI’s proposals will strengthen our demand for business-friendly reforms in the budget,” Vohra stated.
The meeting brought together prominent figures including KCCI President Jawed Bilwani, Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, and former KCCI presidents. Parliamentarians in attendance included MNAs Arshad Vohra, Jawed Hanif, Syed Hafeezuddin, Hassan Sabir, and several MPAs, as well as former KCCI President Saeed Shafiq.
Vohra acknowledged Karachi’s pivotal economic role, noting that the city contributes over 67% of federal taxes, more than 90% of Sindh’s revenue, and accounts for 54% of Pakistan’s exports. Despite this, he lamented the city’s crumbling infrastructure and prolonged industrial neglect, especially in major zones like SITE, which has suffered from a water crisis for decades.
Highlighting the plight of the salaried class, Vohra criticized the disproportionate tax burden placed on them and called for fairer measures in the upcoming budget. He stressed the need for targeted taxation of undocumented sectors and retail businesses.
Addressing the meeting via Zoom, BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala pointed to unemployment as Karachi’s most pressing crisis, driven by deindustrialization and high energy costs. “Without a profitable industrial environment, no new investments will come,” he warned.
KCCI President Bilwani praised the MBF’s outreach efforts and reiterated KCCI’s commitment to representing Karachi’s interests in national policymaking. “Only through strong collaboration can we hope for a budget that addresses Karachi’s long-standing issues and unlocks its economic potential,” he concluded.