Tag: KCCI

Early detection only prevention for breast cancer

KARACHI: The First Lady of Pakistan Samina Arif Alvi has stressed that early detection is the only prevention for dealing with the life-threatening disease of breast cancer as 98 percent of the women survive when they are diagnosed with breast cancer earlier but unfortunately, majority of the breast cancer patients in Pakistan are diagnosed belatedly when cancer reaches third stage, resulting in a death rate in between 40 to 45 percent.

Speaking at a seminar organized at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) on Women Empowerment & Breast Cancer on Saturday, Samina Arif Alvi added that keeping in view the limited number of mammogram facilities available in the country, it was better for women to carry out self-examination for five minutes and if they feel anything unusual or any symptom or any change, they must immediately seek medical assistance.

Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, General Secretary BMG AQ Khalil, President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Naqi, Chairperson of KCCI’s Women Entrepreneurs Subcommittee Durre Shahwar Nisar, President Pink Ribbon Trust Dr. Zubaida Qazi, Associate Professor IBA Huma Baqai, KCCI Managing Committee Members and a large number of women entrepreneurs attended the seminar.

First Lady Samina Alvi, while appreciating KCCI’s efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer, stated that it was very important that the business community of Chamber of Commerce, which plays the role of a backbone in the economy, comes forward to raise awareness about this disease being suffered by many women. “We need to sensitize our brothers, husbands and sons about this serious disease so that women should feel strong and boldly come forward for checkups. We have to ensure that women are empowered and encouraged to come out in every field as women are no less than anyone and they are capable of carrying out all types of tasks if they are strong and healthier.”

She also stressed the need for collective efforts by all segments of society, particularly the business community and media which can play an instrumental role in raising awareness about breast cancer and women empowerment. The awareness campaigns should not remain confined to the month of October only but it should be an ongoing exercise and the media must televise awareness program at least once a month, she added.

Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, in his remarks, said, “Today is an important day which would open a new chapter in the history of KCCI as for the very first time, KCCI has staged a seminar on breast cancer which was not given importance in the past.”

Referring to Dr. Zubaida Qazi’s remarks, he said that it was really alarming to see that breast cancer cases have gone up to 23.8 percent which were likely to rise further to 60 percent in few years if not promptly addressed. The government must prioritize this serious issue and an effective strategy has to be devised so that the breast cancer cases could be controlled and gradually brought down instead of upsurging.

He was of the view that the government must make screening and check-ups for breast cancer mandatory for every woman who reaches the age of 40 years which would certainly result in early diagnosis of this life-threatening disease and save many precious lives. “The strategy pursued to get the population vaccinated for COVID-19 pandemic proved very fruitful. Hence, a similar strategy must also be adopted for dealing with breast cancer by taking penal actions, imposing travel restrictions and barring women to avail other essential services on their failure to get the screening done for breast cancer”, he suggested, adding that it was also the responsibility of every male individual to ensure that his wife, sister or daughter have been screened.

While commending the efforts being made by First Lady, Zubair Motiwala extended Karachi Chamber’s full support and cooperation to all the initiatives being taken by the government for women empowerment and rights. “Empowerment comes when women get education and skills, hence it has to be ensured that women have access to education otherwise, the problems being suffered by our women would never minimize”, he added.

Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, while underscoring the need to change perception and mentally about women, said, “Unfortunately, we live in a society where it is widely believed that women will not be able to carry out several types of jobs which is untrue as women can do wonders if they are fully supported and empowered.”

He was of the opinion that rural women must also be given equal attention in all the awareness campaigns about breast cancer while opportunities must be provided to differently abled women in public and private sector organizations.

General Secretary AQ Khalil, while praising the role being played by the first lady for the betterment of women, said that as women represent more than 50 percent of the population, they must be provided equal opportunities and all their problems must also be treated equally. Moreover, the reserved seats at the National and Provincial Assemblies for women must also be raised according to their population.

President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, while warmly welcoming the First Lady, stated that the empowerment and autonomy of women and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status was a highly important which would help in achieving sustainable development. “Education is also one of the most important means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to fully participate in the development process.”

He was of the opinion that entrepreneurship was becoming an increasingly significant source of employment for women across many countries. Nowadays women perform an important role in building the real backbone of a nation’s economy. However, the number of Women entrepreneurs was quite less and they often face gender-based barriers to starting and growing their businesses which needs to be tackled, he said.

“As a nation, I would like everyone to spread the awareness on Breast Cancer so that we could collectively fight for this noble cause”, Muhammad Idrees added while extending full support and cooperation to the government in all its endeavors to create a better society for women.

KCCI urges SBP to restore PKR at Rs150 to dollar

November 13, 2021
Yarn merchants demand reduction in customs duty

KARACHI: Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA) has demanded reduction in customs duty from 11 per cent to 7 per cent on import of yarn.

Central Chairman of Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA) Saqib Naseem has stressed that the existing custom duty of 11 percent on polyester yarn has to be brought down to 7 percent as done in the past when the previous governments provided this much-needed relief through Textile Packages that led to improving the overall productivity of textile manufacturers and also enhanced the exports.

Although the government in this year’s budget announced to bring custom duty down to 9 percent but that stands unchanged at 11 percent. Similarly, the anti-dumping duty also needs to be abolished in the larger interest of textile sector otherwise the export targets will not be achieved due to likely cotton shortages and higher customs duties, he added while exchanging views at a meeting during the visit of PYMA delegation to Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).

General Secretary Businessmen Group AQ Khalil, President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Naqi and the Members of KCCI and PYMA’s Managing Committees were also present at the meeting.

Central Chairman PYMA pointed out that commercial importers of yarn act as a bank for thousands of small-sized textile industries who cannot afford to import huge quantities of yarn but obtain this essential raw material from commercial importers therefore, the importers should be provided relief by reducing the exorbitant duties and duties which have to be brought at par with industries.

He was of the opinion that prices of polyester yarn have risen sharply due to rising oil prices, increase in freight charges and the global shortage of containers. As a result, the textile industry, small and medium enterprises, especially power looms, were suffering due to high costs therefore, custom duties and taxes have to be brought down drastically.

Saqib Naseem further requested KCCI to help in convincing the government to bring down the turnover tax back to 0.1 percent as many people were finding it hard to continue their business with high turnover tax due to limited margin.

He also said that KCCI and PYMA have been enjoying cordial relations and it was heartening to see that many PYMA members have also discharged their duties at KCCI’s Managing Committee from time to time. “All PYMA members will go hand-in-hand with KCCI so that we could collectively work towards not only resolving PYMA issues but also other general issues of the business & industrial community”, he added.

President KCCI Muhammad Idrees stated that the Karachi Chamber gives highest preference to all the issues being faced by PYMA members which were constantly being taken up with relevant ministers, advisors and all the authorities at the federal level. He said that although Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin always agrees to treat commercial importers of yarn and industries equally but the issue of higher duties on commercial importers stands unresolved as probably the bureaucracy was misguiding the minister. This pending issue has to be resolved and the commercial importers have to be provided relief by ensuring availability of a level playing field.

PYMA delegation members also paid glowing tribute to Late Siraj Kassam Teli who always gave special attention and maintained good liaison with PYMA.

KCCI urges SBP to restore PKR at Rs150 to dollar

November 11, 2021
Traders seek help against police highhandedness

KARACHI: Traders have sought help from Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) against the highhandedness of police officers in dealing with shopkeepers.

Members of a delegation from Jama Alliance Market Association (JAMA), while expressing deep concerns over rising incidents of thefts in the Jama Markets and the poor behavior of police officers in dealing with shopkeepers, requested the Karachi Chamber to take up this serious issue with the high-ups in police department in order to put an end to the highhandedness of police officers.

They also sought KCCI’s help in deployment of women police officers at Jama Markets where incidents of thefts were widely being reported everyday and all of them were being carried out by women culprits.

The help was sought at a meeting during the visit of JAMA delegation to KCCI, which was led by Chairman JAMA Sheikh Muhammad Irshad. President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, Senior Vice President KCCI Abdul Rehman Naqi, Vice President KCCI Qazi Zahid Hussain, Chairman of KCCI’s Special Committee for Small Traders Majeed Memon and Managing Committee Members also attended the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman JAMA Sheikh Muhammad Irshad pointed out that shopkeepers of Jama were worst sufferers of lockdowns and to date, they haven’t recovered from the losses, leading to closure of many shops. These shopkeepers have been facing immense hence, it was very necessary that the government should look into the possibility of extending interest-free financing facility to them so that they could stay afloat. “Jama Alliance Market Association can be engaged as guarantor in the process of interest-free financing and we will recommend only those trustworthy shopkeepers who would certainly payback all their debts”, he said, adding that this financing facility was desperately needed for survival of business at Jama Market which was the oldest market of the country.

While referring to anti-encroachment drive, he said that around 192 shops of Jinnah Market mostly engaged in frame-making and Dupatta (scarf) dying businesses were razed and to date, these displaced shopkeepers have not received alternate shops. KCCI should take up this issue with Sindh with a view to provide relief to perturbed shopkeepers and their families.

President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, in his remarks, informed that KCCI was in constant touch with Commissioner Karachi Iqbal Memon and Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab and Additional Inspector General Yaqub Minhas who will soon be visiting KCCI to discuss numerous issues. “We will invite JAMA members to these meetings where they will get a perfect opportunity to highlight their grievances directly in front of decision makers and seek resolution of their problems”, he added.

He assured that KCCI was always available round the clock to serve small traders and shopkeepers who can either get in touch with Office Bearers, Chairman Special Committee for Small Traders or Police Chamber Liaison Committee (PCLC) any time to get their law & order related issues resolved. “Any unlawful activity being carried out by police officers must also be brought to this Chamber notice in writing and we will make sure that no injustice is being done to any shopkeeper of Jama Cloth Market”, he added.

While referring to concerns expressed over encroachment drive, President KCCI informed that not a single representative from Jinnah Market has approached KCCI for relocation of their businesses to date. KCCI’s Special Committee for Small Traders under the supervision of Majeed Memon has ensured that alternate shops are allotted to displaced shopkeepers of various markets. “KCCI is ready to take up the problems suffered by shopkeepers of Jinnah Market but the shopkeepers must share details in writing with this Chamber so that we could take up this issue with Administrator Karachi during his forthcoming visit to KCCI”, he added.

He said that it has always been one of the first and foremost responsibility to give top priority to get small traders’ issues resolved in normal and extraordinary circumstances. “It was KCCI that kept demanding to ease restrictions during lockdown and it was this Chamber which convinced Sindh Government to lift lockdown restriction on Sunday”, he added.

Chairman Special Committee for Small Traders Majeed Memon said, “As KCCI has remained actively engaged to ensure smooth relocation of displaced businesses of encroachment drive, the affectees of Jinnah Market should not find themselves alone as we are always available to round the clock to help them out.

All the participants of the meeting paid glowing tribute to Late Siraj Kassam Teli for his relentless efforts towards resolving the issues being faced by the entire business and industrial community particularly those being suffered by small traders and shopkeepers.

KCCI urges SBP to restore PKR at Rs150 to dollar

November 9, 2021
KCCI urges SBP to restore PKR at Rs150 to dollar

KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has sought State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) intervention to reverse back the Pak Rupee (PKR) to Rs150 against the dollar.

Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) and Former President KCCI Zubair Motiwala in a statement issued on Thursday expressed deep concerns over the continuous devaluation of Pakistani rupees against the dollar which after surpassing Rs175 level was still hovering above Rs170.

He urged the government that it was high time the State Bank, being the regulator, must intervene to stop the further freefall of PKR and devise some kind of an effective mechanism for appreciating the value of the Pakistani rupee to such an extent that the dollar reverses back to its previous level of Rs150 with a view to reducing the impact of inflation on the common man.

“On the other hand, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which has been taking advantage of higher dollar value, must also be directed to either bring down taxes and duties or keep them charging at the same rate but the calculation for taxes and duties must be done as per dollar rate of June 2021 when the budget was announced and the dollar at that point in time stood at around Rs150 instead of current rate which would certainly help in controlling the inflation”, he added while speaking at a meeting held during the visit of a delegation from All Pakistan Motorcycle Spare Parts Importers & Dealers Association (APMSPIDA) which was led by Rehan Hanif.

Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Naqi, Vice President Qazi Zahid Hussain, Patron-in-Chief APMSPIDA Faisal Khalil, Former Presidents KCCI Majyd Aziz, Haroon Agar, Abdullah Zaki, Iftikhar Vohra, Younus Muhammad Bashir, Shamim Ahmed Firpo, Shariq Vohra and others attended the meeting.

Chairman BMG pointed out that at the time when Federal Budget for current fiscal year 2021-22 was announced in June 2021, the US dollar stood at Rs155 and all the duties and taxes were estimated as per the then dollar rate. As the dollar after surpassing Rs175 level was still hovering above Rs170, it means that the duties and taxes have also risen sharply, which was the core reason behind fostering the inflation.

He explained that out of the total differential amount of more than Rs15 as the dollar still hovers above Rs170 as compared to the previous rate of Rs155 in June 2021, at least 40 percent of the said differential amount i.e., Rs6 on each dollar was silently being collected by FBR in shape of taxes and duties which was highly unfair as it adds to the cost imported goods and escalates inflation.

He was of the opinion that a target of Rs5800 billion was set for revenue collection for FY 2021-22 at a time when dollar rate stood at Rs155 hence, the extra money being collected nowadays due to sharp rise in dollar rate must not be considered as an achievement by FBR but as penalty on masses and the business community as it was the FBR which has been playing a major role in fostering the inflation and overburdening the economy.

Zubair Motiwala said that due to rising dollar rate, high cost of doing business, frequent gas outages, deteriorating infrastructure and other civic issues along with a drastic decline in purchasing power, the local industries have been suffering terribly and facing a severe liquidity crunch which has resulted in limited business activities and it was really unfortunate that the government was not coming up with any workable solution for dealing with all these issues.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, while expressing deep concerns over deteriorating economic indicators, stated that economic uncertainty has killed the total business environment, leaving the survival of many businesses at stake in the ongoing era of the highest ever inflation. “Currency, which is considered as a barometer of any economy, cannot be allowed to fall freely as it creates a lot of problems not only for the businesses but also for the economy and the common man”, he added.

President KCCI Muhammad Idrees said that devaluation of rupees against the dollar and widening trade account deficit if not promptly addressed would create a nightmarish situation not only for the economy and businesses but also for the common man whose purchasing power has descended sharply nowadays and was hardly in a position to ensure bread and butter for his family. “Dollar rate which impacts prices of almost all the household items and raw material has to be controlled by SBP otherwise, the businesses will not be able to stay afloat due to high cost of doing business, unemployment would rise and the situation may trigger even unrest”, he added.

Leader of APMSPIDA delegation Rehan Hanif, in his remarks, pointed out that importers and dealers of motorcycle spare parts have been facing a lot of problems as motorcycle spare parts remain in the 3rd Schedule list, making it mandatory to put MRP (Retail Price) including GST on motorcycle spare parts at import stage before shipment which was not possible keeping in view the diverse range of hundreds and thousands of spare parts. Moreover, it was a well-known fact that sales of imported spare parts are made all over the country and the freight charges cannot be the same for every city while the fluctuation in exchange rates was also an issue hence it was impossible to calculate MRP in such a varying situation, he added.

Karachi Chamber appeals subsidizing petroleum prices

October 28, 2021
Karachi Chamber assures traders of resolving issues

KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has assured traders of Jodia Bazaar of taking up their issues with the authorities and get them resolved.

Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala and President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Idrees, after listening to the hardships being faced by traders of Jodia Bazaar, assured that the Karachi Chamber will take up all issues being faced by the traders/ shopkeepers of Jodia Bazaar with relevant quarters and will try its best to get them amicably resolved so that the traders and shopkeepers, who are an integral part of KCCI, could smoothly carry out their activities without any hassle.

The assurance was given at a meeting during the visit of a delegation from Jodia Bazaar which was led by Haroon Agar to congratulate the newly elected office bearers. Senior Vice President KCCI Abdul Rehman Naqi, Vice President Qazi Zahid Hussain and KCCI Managing Committee also attended the meeting whereas Jodia Bazaar delegation comprised of Waseem-ur-Rehman, Hanif Pochi, Najam Chughtai, Arif Lakhani, Asif Haji Karim, Javed Qadri, Aslam Nathani and others.

While highlighting numerous issues, Leader of Jodia Bazaar delegation Haroon Agar pointed out that skim milk, which was not a luxury item, was subjected to imposition of Sales Tax which is a serious anomaly that raises the cost of this important household products. Hence, the Federal Board of Revenue should be approached with a request to look into the possibility of exempting this product from Sales Tax, he added.

He further mentioned that due to massive number of Kunda Connection all over Jodia Bazaar, the area frequently undergoes massive load shedding every day which creates a lot of problems even for the legitimate consumers of KE who, despite paying all their outstanding dues, have to suffer badly due to someone else’s misconduct.

“KCCI must take up this matter with higher authorities at KE so that the utility service provider could be convinced to minimize load shedding and remove all Kunda connections in this area where massive trading activities of up to billions of rupees take place every day.

He further highlighted the grievances being faced by traders of Jodia Bazaar due to massive smuggling of various products including milk, spices and plastic etc. which were entering Pakistan in bulk quantities from Afghanistan via Chaman, making the legal trade of all these products uncompetitive in the local markets.

Karachi Chamber appeals subsidizing petroleum prices

October 22, 2021
Karachi Chamber appeals subsidizing petroleum prices

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday appealed the government to subsidize prices of petroleum products as continuous hike in prices will badly affect business community as well as masses.

Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) & Former KCCI Zubair Motiwala, while expressing sheer dismay over exorbitant hike in petroleum prices by Rs10.49 per liter, appealed the Government to subsidize the impact of international oil prices as the increase in petroleum prices would not only affect the overall economic performance but would also intensify the hardships for businesses and the masses who were already overburdened because of inflation and their budgeting would be further disturbed due to hike in petroleum prices and also the electricity tariff.

“The current government has always desired that the cost of doing business is reduced but all these steps are in contrast to the policy of the government as the nation nowadays suffers badly due to frequent hikes in petroleum prices, electricity & gas tariffs and other utilities in addition to fluctuating exchange rates and higher duties on imports”, Chairman BMG added in a statement issued here on Saturday.

He further pointed out that it was a matter of grave concern that the winter season has not yet arrived in Karachi but gas supply to CNG stations has been suspended for 10 consecutive days which was really worrisome.

He said: “We are well-aware that the international oil prices were on the higher side but the impact must not be passed on to the public as done in the past. The petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan peaked at Rs87 and Rs65 per liter during the historically highest ever international crude price of $147.27 per barrel in July 2008 and now when it was around US$85, the petroleum prices have been raised to a whopping Rs137.79 per liter which was beyond our understanding.”

Referring to severe devaluation of Pakistani rupee against dollar, Zubair Motiwala said that the rupee was seen devaluating by approximately 12.4 percent against US Dollar from Rs152.30 on May 17, 2021 to around Rs171.20 as on October 16, 2021. “Severe devaluation of rupee has raised the cost of doing business and fostered the inflation, therefore, it is really crucial to review the current strategies being pursued by the economic managers.”

“The government needs to understand that the share of exports in GDP stood at 8 percent while the rest of 92 percent was local trade and imports hence the devaluation is hurting and has reached to a level where it has become unbearable”, he added.

He stressed that the emerging situation has to be efficiently addressed and handled very carefully otherwise, the rising petroleum prices and excessive devaluation will continue to increase the cost of doing business, which would terribly affect the industrial performance, raise unemployment and open the floodgates of inflation, particularly for the middle and lower segments of the society, besides making the poor poorer due to unbearable inflation. “The inflation monster needs to be effectively controlled.”

He further opined that increase in electricity tariff was probably due to ‘Take or Pay Agreements’ with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) so the brunt of the policy should not be put on the people of Pakistan.

He also underscored that the import substitution industries, SMEs, Small Traders and Shopkeepers who were the backbone of economy cannot bear such shocks. The federal and provincial governments must help them out by providing loans at zero percent interest rate for their survival otherwise they will become bankrupt.

He hoped that the Federal Government would realize the gravity of the situation and accordingly take steps to stop further devaluation of rupee against dollar and also look into the possibility of subsidizing petroleum prices as done in the past.

Meanwhile, President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, while appreciating the Sindh Government’s decision to lift the restriction imposed on carrying out businesses on Sunday which was earmarked as Safe Day, stated that the business community was very happy to see that Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala fulfilled his commitment to small traders/ shopkeepers within 24 hours by successfully convincing the Sindh government to allow business activities on Sunday.

“KCCI warmly welcomes Sindh Government’s notification in which businesses have been allowed to operate on Sunday which would certainly help in minimizing the grievances being suffered by shopkeepers who underwent severe losses due to COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns”, he added.

He said that by promptly and affirmatively responding to Chairman BMG’s request, Chief Minister Sindh has proved that the Sindh government was undoubtedly a peoples’ friendly government which despite so many challenges, tries its best to somehow provide relief to the public whenever possible.

KCCI flays restoration of IR officers bank freezing powers

October 16, 2021
Indenters not paying tax despite rate reduction: SRB

KARACHI: Khalid Mehmood, Chairman, Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) on Friday said that many indenters are still not paying tax and opted to approach court.

SRB chairman stated this while sharing views with the members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Khalid Mehmood said that sincere efforts were made to resolve the indenters issue whose tax was reduced from 13 percent to 3 percent yet, many indenters were still reluctant to pay tax and have gone into litigations. “If they (Indenters) have any other feasible option, it can be shared with SRB and we will take it into consideration,” he assured.

He said that point of sale measure was being taken to capture sales of restaurants, beauty parlors and other outlets where a large number of cash transactions were taking place. “In this regard, we will be requiring your cooperation as it will be a substantive move,” he added.

Chairman SRB said: “Instead of being a typically strict tax collecting authority, we try our best to make SRB a taxpayers’ friendly institution and we have succeeded in attaining this objective to a certain extent.

“Even in those matters in which there were differences between the SRB and the business community, we usually act leniently in terms of enforcement and the Board has been overall enjoying good relations with the business community of Karachi.”

He added that any unwarranted notice received by members of the business community can be brought to SRB high-ups’ notice who are always available to listen to and amicably resolve the issues.

Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, while congratulating SRB Chairman on achieving record tax collection of Rs128 billion, stated that there was a huge potential for further growth as SRB has created an enabling and cordial environment in which the taxpayers were being facilitated as much as possible which was a very nice approach.

He stressed that out of a total revenue of Rs128 billion, Karachi must be contributing somewhere around Rs110 billion and out of this huge contribution, the Sindh government should look into the possibility of spending half of the amount on development of Karachi.

He further pointed out that the Worker Welfare Fund (WWF), which was either being submitted to SRB or FBR, was a serious issue that stands unresolved to date. Many taxpayers, who submit it to FBR, adjust WWF in Income Tax Returns but those taxpayers, who submit it to SRB, cannot carry out adjustment in IT returns.

Hence, the SRB and FBR will have to sit together to deal with this issue as it puts the business community in confusing situation, he added.

He further stated that sales tax on Exports was not being charged anywhere around the world hence it should not be charged here as well because all the services including shipping lines and terminals operators etc. were being availed for exports. “SRB must also rationalize its tax rates in consultation with KCCI as there was plenty of space available in numerous sectors where the tax rate can either be reduced or enhanced”, he opined.

Vice Chairman BMG Haroon Farooki, in his remarks, stated that the business community faces a lot of problems and remains confused on various occasions when parallel taxes were being demanded by the FBR and SRB as well and both claim that these taxes fall under their domain. “This clash between the two tax collecting authorities puts legitimate taxpayers in a discomfortable position who sometimes even have to go to courts to settle the issues but it is high time that FBR and SRB must sit together to decide their domains in order to set the loyal taxpayers free from all the trouble”, he added.

He mentioned that taxation issues of indenters, security agencies and travels agents etc. have still not been addressed at SRB level which require attention.

Vice Chairman BMG Jawed Bilwani stressed that although Karachi contributes 95 percent revenue to SRB but sector-wise and city-wise breakup was unavailable. “SRB should look into the possibility of publicizing this important info so that we could examine the statistics and give inputs on where the tax rate needs to be enhanced and where it has to be reduced.”

President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, while welcoming Chairman SRB, stated that since Khalid Mehmood assumed charge, SRB’s revenue has been constantly increasing every year and it was heartening to see that most of the revenue was being contributed by the business & industrial community of Karachi. “We have no problem in contributing so much and we can contribute even more but the funds being generated from Karachi must be utilized on the infrastructure of this city which was in bad shape.”

He appreciated the support and cooperation being extended by Chairman SRB who has promptly resolved numerous issues highlighted by KCCI.

Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairmen BMG Haroon Farooki and Jawed Bilwani, President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Naqi, Advisor SRB Mushtaq Kazmi and KCCI Managing Committee Members attended the meeting.

Sindh Revenue Board announces tax incentive package

October 15, 2021
Traders urged to show unity for resolution of issues

KARACHI: Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) & Former President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Zubair Motiwala has urged all shopkeepers and small traders to exhibit complete unity and solidarity under KCCI’s umbrella so that one strong voice could be raised to compel the federal and provincial governments to pay attention to Karachi and immediately resolve all the issues being suffered by Karachiites.

“The Karachi Chamber, being the premier Chamber and a true representative of the entire business community, is not just for resolving problems of businessmen and industrialists but small traders and shopkeepers are also equally important and dear to us hence, BMG Leadership and KCCI Office Bearers are always available to help out small traders and shopkeepers who are an integral part of this Chamber”, he added while speaking at the first meeting of Special Committee for Small Traders which was also attended by Vice Chairman BMG Jawed Bilwani, President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Naqi, Chairman of KCCI’s Special Committee for Small Traders Majeed Memon, Former Presidents KCCI Majyd Aziz & Younus Muhammad Bashir, Former Senior Vice President Talat Mehmood, KCCI Managing Committee Members and a large number of shopkeepers and representatives of commercial markets’ associations.

Commenting on the hardships being suffered by shopkeepers due to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, Chairman BMG urged the Federal and Provincial Governments to provide a helping hand to the perturbed small traders and shopkeepers who were still distressed and have not come out of crises because of the severe losses suffered during lockdowns. He said that the Karachi Chamber was struggling really hard to some how convince the government to extend financial support to shopkeepers as compensation for the losses suffered by them during COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding to concerns expressed by meeting participants over poor attitude of police officers towards shopkeepers, Zubair Motiwala assured that the Karachi Chamber was well aware of this particular issue hence it has already been discussed with Karachi Police Chief Imran Yaqub Minhas who assured to deal with it at the earliest so that the small traders and shopkeepers could carry out their business activities without any kind of fear from police.

He also promised to invite Additional IG for a meeting again at KCCI in which small traders and shopkeepers will also be invited so that they could directly discuss issues pertaining to parking, police patrolling, encroachment, thefts, robberies, mobile snatching and other heinous crimes taking place in their areas. “We will keep striving and continue to raise a very strong voice until all the issues are resolved exactly as per aspiration of small traders.

Commenting on problems being faced by small traders and shopkeepers due to complete closure of businesses on Sunday which has been earmarked as Safe Day, Chairman BMG informed that this issue has been taken up with Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah who has assured that if the NCOC declares Sunday as working day for shopkeepers, he would immediately lift the restriction of carrying out business activities on Sundays. “Chief Minister will also be visiting KCCI next week where we will again highlight this issue so that it could be taken into consideration”, he added.

He further informed that KCCI has also taken up the issue of forced registration with Chairman Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) Khalid Mehmood who was advised to hold consultation with relevant markets’ associations instead of forcing the shopkeepers to get registered. “Any misconduct or demand for bribe by SRB official may please be reported to KCCI and we will take up this matter with SRB to ensure that no injustice was being done to anyone”, he added.

Keeping in view the hardships being faced by Shopkeepers in obtaining trade license, Zubair Motiwala assured to develop some kind of system within KCCI so that the shopkeepers could get the trade license without any demand for bribe by just paying the fee. “We will also take up the possession issue being suffered by displaced shopkeepers of the encroachment drive who although have been allotted shops at alternate locations but the possession has not been given so far”, he added.

Regulations needed for used mobile phones’ accessories

October 14, 2021
Regulations needed for used mobile phones’ accessories

KARACHI: Additional Inspector General Imran Yaqub Minhas has stressed that the sale of second-hand mobile phones accessories has to be brought into a regulatory framework.

It would help in dealing with the most serious issue of rising street crimes as the accessories and spare parts of all the snatched phones were being disposed of by selling them in the local markets, he added.

“The street crimes would only reduce when a regulatory framework for sale of second-hand mobile phones’ spare parts is in place otherwise it would remain a challenge and we may reach at the verge of disaster in terms of street crimes,” he added while exchanging views at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Karachi Police Chief, while terming the social media as a ‘menace and a curse’, stated that a huge portion of the content revolving in the social media was based on unauthenticated reporting which was playing with public’s nerves hence, it also needs to be regulated.

“I appeal the business community of Karachi Chamber to raise a strong voice for regulating all the social media sites and apps”, he said, adding that the social media sites which build the perception about Karachi and Pakistan must be brought into a legal framework.

He admitted that robberies were taking place in Defense area where three gangs were operational, of which one gang has been nabbed and its coordinators have also been identified.

“Serious efforts were underway and strategies have been adopted to control crime hence, the situation in DHA is likely to improve in the next few days,” he added.

To drastically improve the law & order situation of Karachi, AIG stressed the need for an effective surveillance system in the city otherwise the crimes will never stop.

“Enhancing the number of police officers would not yield results so we have to adopt scientific and technological practices being used all around the world for effectively controlling street crimes,” he added.

He said that due to lack of proper planning, the city is collapsing and it was a matter of grave that there was no expansion plan for Karachi which has been missing since many decades. The city is turning into an ocean of concrete with undocumented and uncontrolled population. The city has to be reframed in a planned way otherwise it will become prey to its own serious issues, he added.

He said: “We are facing another serious challenge within the department i.e., criminalization of police force and we are fighting really hard with that challenge which is not less than confronting the ocean’s waves.”

Imran Minhas also assured to look into the possibility of nominating a focal person exclusively for Karachi Chamber.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, while expressing deep concerns over deteriorating law and order situation of Karachi city, pointed out that in addition to infinite incidents of street crimes taking places all over the city, 26 robberies happened in Defense area alone whereas 17.5 percent rise was witnessed in murder cases, car snatching escalated by 67 percent, gang rape incidents upsurged by 130 percent and 100 percent increase was recorded in murder while resisting a dacoity and bank robberies.

Urging the lawmakers to stop step-motherly treatment with Karachi, he stressed that the law & order situation of this city has to be given special attention and an effective strategy has to be devised on war footing otherwise, the situation would worsen further and the city will be plunged to a point of no return.

“Law & order issue was linked with poor economic performance as it has been observed that the economic and business activities were shrinking and joblessness was rising therefore, many people were landing up in the world of crime to fulfil their needs”, Zubair Motiwala opined while referring to US$4 billion deficit suffered by the country in the month of August.

“Despite contributing 68 percent revenue and 55 percent exports, the business community is compelled to continue their activities without security, gas and electricity and they have to face all the hindrances being created by civic agencies as well. In this scenario, running an industry in Karachi is not less than a Jihad”, he added.

Chairman BMG also appealed the Sindh Government to look into the possibility of raising pay packages of police officers to such an extent that they were able to easily overcome all their domestic expenditures and honestly discharge their duties without seeking bribe as under the present circumstances, it has become impossible for a police officer with four kids to handle his domestic expenses, hence he has no other choice but to seek bribe. “Penal action and regards are equally important to improve the law & order situation of Karachi. Those officers who perform really well must be promoted whereas the others who fail to deliver should be demoted and transferred to far flung areas of the province”, he added.

To deal with frequent traffic jam issue, he suggested that signal adherence must be strictly implemented and one-way violation should also not be tolerated at any cost while the youngsters must also not be allowed to ride bikes without a valid driving license.

Vice Chairman BMG Jawed Bilwani hoped that during the tenure of Imran Minhas, the law & order situation improves in Karachi which has deteriorated sharply nowadays particularly in District South and West. He suggested to compile a database of criminals in which date-wise records pertaining to arrests and bails of criminals must be maintained and publicized so that the honorable judges and everyone could see and analyze how many times these culprits had been apprehended and released on bail which would prove very fruitful.

General Secretary BMG AQ Khalil stated that it was a matter of concern that Karachi was the only city whose actual population has not been determined to date hence, in such a situation, it was impossible to evaluate the problems of this city, particularly the size of police force required for maintaining law and order situation of Karachi. “Rangers enjoys more powers and facilities as compared to police which needs to be strengthened, provided insurance facility and other perks, besides fully equipping them for efficiently dealing with criminals”, he added.

Earlier, President KCCI, in his welcome address, stated that the Karachi Chamber, being the premier and largest chamber, plays the role of a bridge between the law enforcing agencies and the business community so that the issues could be amicably and promptly resolved. He underscored the need to carry out effective policing all over Karachi where the population has risen to around 25 to 30 million whereas the law & order situation has been worsening day by day due to increase in street crimes, burglaries, thefts, motorcycle and vehicle snatching etc. which were widely being reported from almost all parts of the country.

PCLC Chief Hafeez Aziz requested AIG to nominate a DSP who must be tasked to look into and promptly resolve the issues being raised by KCCI.

The meeting was also attended by Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG Jawed Bilwani, General Secretary BMG AQ Khalil, President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Naqi, Vice President Qazi Zahid Hussain, Former Presidents Saeed Shafiq, Majyd Aziz, Younus Muhammad Bashir, Shamim Ahmed Firpo, PCLC Chief Hafeez Aziz and others.

KCCI flays restoration of IR officers bank freezing powers

October 13, 2021
KCCI flays restoration of IR officers bank freezing powers

KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has criticized the decision to restore powers of Inland Revenue (IR) officers to recover due and taxes through bank account attachment without prior information.
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October 12, 2021