Karachi, May 8, 2025 — Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan held a detailed virtual meeting with the leadership of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) via Zoom.
The session focused on resolving multiple challenges faced by the city’s business community, including energy shortages, high gas tariffs, water scarcity, tax irregularities, and exporters’ concerns.
During the dialogue, the SAPM emphasized that the government is taking Karachi’s industrial concerns seriously and has initiated a collaborative framework involving all key stakeholders. As per Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, several task-specific committees have been formed, with KCCI playing a pivotal role in each. These committees aim to deliver concrete solutions to long-standing issues that have stunted industrial growth in Pakistan’s economic hub.
“The government’s priority is to remove bottlenecks and enable Karachi’s industries to thrive,” stated SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan. He highlighted the need for swift and practical reforms, particularly in the utility and taxation sectors. The SAPM noted that Pakistan’s evolving position in global trade, especially amidst ongoing tariff shifts worldwide, creates a strategic window for local industries to enhance exports and establish stronger international presence.
A notable announcement made during the meeting was the reduction of the policy interest rate to 11%. According to the SAPM, this move—spearheaded by the Prime Minister—is aimed at easing financial constraints on businesses and fostering a more competitive industrial environment.
However, representatives from KCCI, including Shawal Malik, expressed serious concerns about Karachi’s outdated electricity infrastructure. Malik noted that frequent power disruptions and high maintenance costs are increasing the cost of doing business, putting local manufacturers at a disadvantage.
Despite these hurdles, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to working closely with KCCI and other local stakeholders to turn Karachi into a more productive and investor-friendly industrial zone.
The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with both the SAPM and KCCI agreeing to maintain regular communication and ensure that actionable progress is made. It marks a renewed push by the government to unlock the potential of Karachi’s industrial base.