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  • PIA offers 10pc discount on domestic, international tickets to Karachi Chamber

    PIA offers 10pc discount on domestic, international tickets to Karachi Chamber

    KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a 10 percent discount on air tickets of both domestic and international flights to members and staff of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

    The discount is available to members and staff at newly PIA outlet inaugurated at KCCI premises, a statement said on Wednesday.

    The discount is available at 10 percent on domestic and international flights not only to KCCI members and staff but also their family members.

    In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) PIA Air Marshal Retd. Arshad Malik and President KCCI M. Shariq Vohra at a ceremony organized at KCCI which was also attended by Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) & Former President KCCI Zubair Motiwala, Senior Vice President KCCI Saqib Goodluck, Vice President Shamsul Islam Khan, Former Presidents Younus Muhammad Bashir, Shamim Ahmed Firpo & Junaid Esmail Makda and others.

    Speaking on the occasion, CEO PIA Arshad Malik paid glowing tribute to Late Siraj Kassam Teli for his exceptional services to the country, particularly the business & industrial community.

    “Because of his splendid work, Siraj Teli would go down in the history and will always be remembered. He was a fatherly figure who fearlessly raised voice for the rights of business community and Karachi city,” he added.

    He informed that PIA has recently airlifted a cargo of kinnow and was particularly focused on providing cargo facilities at competitive rates hence, KCCI members should use PIA’s cargo service for sending their cargoes at corporate rates which will be kept lower than the market rates. “You decide the price for cargo and we will live up to it,” he added.

    Arshad Malik was of the opinion that the revival of PIA was a challenging task in 2019 but by taking the ownership along with the commitment and sincere efforts, the performance of the national flag carrier was improved however, the airline suffered badly due to COVID-19 pandemic.

    He further informed that PIA management was taking every possible step for the betterment of the airline and in this regard, a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) with attractive package was given to some 2000 employees.

    “Segregation of core and non-core groups was likely while the aircrafts acquired on expensive lease were being returned and replaced with better aircrafts at reasonable rates,” he added.

    In response to a suggestion pertaining to commencement of direct flights to northern areas, he said that although PIA was capable of providing direct flight but it was currently not possible due to lack of runways and refueling facilities in many areas of the country.

    “Keeping in view the potential of Gwadar, the number of direct flights has been raised to three from one as this city is going to become a major hub of economic and financial activities.”

    Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, in his remarks, appreciated all the efforts being made by CEO PIA to improve the performance of national flag carrier which has to be improved to such an extent that PIA thrives and flies high not only in the skies of Pakistan but also the rest of the world which can become possible only if the government facilitates and provide conducive environment with a focus to restore the lost glories of the national flag carrier.

    Keeping in view the performance of other local airlines, he advised CEO PIA to double the number of domestic flights with same kind of treatment and services which were being provided by PIA’s competitors that would surely yield positive results.

    “We are patriotic Pakistanis and we want to help and support PIA so we would prefer to fly to our destinations via national flag carrier but PIA must improve its services as per international standards,” he added while acknowledging the timely arrival and departure of PIA flights soon after Arshad Malik assumed charge as CEO PIA.

    Chairman BMG further appealed the entire business and industrial community to come forward, support and cooperate with PIA in whatever way they can so that PIA could come out of crises and attains success.

    In his welcome address, President KCCI Shariq Vohra, while appreciating the efforts being made by CEO PIA to pull the national flag carrier out of crises, stressed the need to make collective efforts and aggressively promote the good things happening at PIA while KCCI, with an impressive membership base, can become a good partner of PIA in various fields.

    He was of the opinion that the airlines business has been growing in Pakistan as AirSial, AirBlue and SereneAir have been enjoying thriving businesses with aircrafts flying at full capacity therefore, PIA must also focus on improving the market share by offering its service at competitive rates through cost reduction. “In this regard, the domestic industry has to be integrated with PIA which would certainly reduce cost and save valuable foreign exchange,” he added.

  • KCCI expresses concerns over sudden stoppage of National Saving payments

    KCCI expresses concerns over sudden stoppage of National Saving payments

    KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday expressed deep concerns over sudden stoppage of payments by National Saving Centers (NSCs) and urged the government take immediate action in this regard.

    KCCI President Shariq Vohra in a statement, while expressing deep concerns over the sudden stoppage of payments by NSCs, urged the government to look into this serious issue as any delay in these payments would intensify the hardships mostly for the senior citizens including retired individuals and widows whose lives depend on timely payments.

    The President KCCI pointed out that KCCI has received numerous complaints as the returns of many individuals against their investments in NSC certificates have been put on hold without a valid reason and they all were extremely worried about it.

    “It is a well-known fact that these payments belong mostly to senior citizens and widows whose lifetime savings are invested in certificates so that they could utilize the monthly returns on their daily bread and butter. Hence, it is really unfair to stop such critically and economically important payment,” he added.

    He said that on one hand, the Federal Ombudsman has directed the Pakistan Post to digitize all Post Offices by February 2021 to avoid delay in payment of profits against saving certificates issued to senior citizens and widows but on the other hand, this important segment remains deprived as their request for release of outstanding payment has been turned down.

    He stressed that in order to facilitate the senior citizens, the National Saving Center has to be completely digitalized and its operations should be improved as per banking standards while the profits payable should instantly be transferred into the personal accounts of its account holders, which would be widely welcomed as the senior citizens will not be required to visit saving centers every month to claim their dues and they will be able to access their profits online.

    President KCCI requested the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan to issue directives for immediate release of payments to the masses so that their lives were not disturbed.

  • Turkish envoy holds meetings with FPCCI, KCCI members to boost bilateral trade

    Turkish envoy holds meetings with FPCCI, KCCI members to boost bilateral trade

    KARACHI: Consul General of Turkey Tolga UCAK on Tuesday held meetings with members of leading trade bodies of Pakistan to discuss possibilities of enhancing trade and commercial ties between the two countries.

    During his visit to Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) commenting on the proposals of FPCCI President Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, the Consul General informed that there will be an inauguration of the services of Cargo Train between Istanbul and Islamabad with transit time of 9-10 days. This initiative will go a long way in promotion of bilateral trade.

    He also offered to organize road show in Pakistan with attracting Turkish Products. He was optimistic that in the post coronavirus the volume of bilateral trade will be further enhanced for which we have to prepare ourselves and make plans of future activities.

    He assured his full support to the initiative undertaken by FPCCI and its JBC for the joint activities between both countries.

    During his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Tolga UCAK stressed the need to encourage joint ventures in different sectors of the economy whereas Turkey can also assist in setting up a tram service system in Karachi, particularly at the coastal line of sea view, which would change the face of Karachi and become a tourists’ attraction.

    While expressing keenness to strengthen trade and investment ties between the business communities of the two countries, Turkish CG assured that the commercial section of Turkish Consulate in Karachi was ready to fully assist Karachi’s business & industrial community intending to improve trade and investment ties with their Turkish counterparts.

    To deal with trade-related conflicts and protect the interest of customers, he suggested to form a private-to-private sector committee between the two countries

  • Industry rejects shutting down gas supply decision

    Industry rejects shutting down gas supply decision

    KARACHI: Trade and industry on Monday strongly rejected the government decision of discontinuing gas supply for export and manufacturing sectors.

    The industry will face the ever severe situation in the wake of discontinuation of gas supply to captive power generation for general industry from February 01 and the export-oriented sectors from March 01, 2021 leaving severe impact on the economy and exports of Pakistan.

    This was stated by Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) addressing a Press Conference.

    The President FPCCI also accompanied by President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Shariq Vohra and other business leaders.

    All the business leaders vehemently rejected the cabinet decision and appealed Prime Minister to revisit this decision in the best interest of the survival of industry and for enhancement of Pakistan’s export and creating employment in the country.

    He further went on saying that industry is already confronted with many challenges particularly with respect to procurement of long term orders for the exports.

    However, the Pakistan’s exports when witnessing a growth this decision has badly affected confidence of foreign buyers and asking for completion of their orders and it is apprehended the export orders are likely to shift elsewhere to the other competing countries.

    He also quoted that Pakistan utility tariff is comparatively very high than the other regional countries.

    He further said that transferring electricity from captive power to grid will take time and costly not feasible as the cost of electricity generated by our captive powers is lower than the cost involved in shifting to grid.

    Most of the industries were running on natural gas using boilers and regeneration system so it was impossible to be converted on the grid and change the whole appliances within one month.

    Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo stated that the decision of Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCOE) appears to have been taken on non-professional advice and without consultation of main stakeholders that is businessmen and apex bodies. He further said that this decision will not only harm the economy of Pakistan but will also damage our image with international buyers which seem a conspiracy against the progress made by Pakistan in the last two years by the present government.

    While addressing the press conference, Shariq Vohra, President KCCI showed surprise on the decision and stated that they would not allowed K-electric sabotage Karachi’s progress and development and both representative from Karachi Chamber strongly emphasized that government should not take such decisions that create labor unrest due to closures of factories.

  • Business demands to withdraw power tariff hike, shutting down captive power plants

    Business demands to withdraw power tariff hike, shutting down captive power plants

    KARACHI: Business community has demanded Prime Minister Imran Khan to withdraw the decision to increase in power tariff hike and shutting down the captive power plants because such decision would sabotage efforts of the government to enhance the exports.

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  • KCCI, Jazz sign deal for 35 percent to businessmen

    KCCI, Jazz sign deal for 35 percent to businessmen

    In a significant move to benefit the local business community, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) and Jazz, Pakistan’s leading 4G operator and top internet and broadband service provider, have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, formalized on Saturday, aims to provide substantial discounts on Jazz’s services to KCCI members.

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  • KCCI demands immediate release of income tax refunds

    KCCI demands immediate release of income tax refunds

    KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to immediately release pending income tax refund claims of small traders, shopkeepers and the SMEs.

    The claims of around Rs50,000 to Rs100,0000, whose assessment has been completed should be released on top priority, Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) and Former President KCCI said in a statement on Tuesday.

    “Blocking such refunds oppresses small businesses which continue to face serious cashflow problems. We have no idea how long the COVID-19 pandemic would last and it is a well-known fact that almost every household is a victim of this pandemic therefore, the government will have to provide relief as it is totally uncertain where the businesses will land up in the days to come”, he added while speaking at a meeting of Small Traders held at KCCI.

    The meeting was also attended by General Secretary BMG AQ Khalil, President KCCI M. Shariq Vohra, Senior Vice President KCCI M. Saqib Goodluck, Vice President KCCI Shamsul Islam Khan, Chairman of KCCI’s Special Committee for Small Traders Majeed Memon, Former Senior Vice Presidents Javed Bilwani and Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, Former Vice President Talat Mehmood and KCCI Managing Committee Members along with representatives of several commercial markets from all over Karachi.

    Chairman BMG stressed that the government will have to bring in major changes in the taxation system and it also needs to devise effective mechanism to minimize the hardships of small traders as although big businesses may survive but the small ones need support as they have no access to financing facilities and have also lost all their savings while battling with the situation triggered by the pandemic. “SMEs and shopkeepers are the worst sufferers of the COVID-19 pandemic who must not be undermined and given relief.”

    He also stressed the need to resolve CNIC issue which was creating a lot of problems for the already perturbed businessmen who were compelled to run their businesses with limited timings and were strictly advised to comply with all the SOPs for containing COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in creating a troublesome situation for small traders by raising the costs and lowering the earnings.

    In response to concerns expressed over the imposition of municipal tax, he said that President KCCI has already taken up the municipal tax issue and was strictly pursuing the same so that the grievances faced by small traders could be minimized. Moreover, the Karachi Chamber was also closely monitoring the relocation of displaced shopkeepers whose premises were razed during the anti-encroachment drive. “These shopkeepers must be provided adequate alternate place for business and we are seriously working on it”, he assured.

    Chairman BMG said the problems confronted by small traders will always be given top priority by the leadership of Businessmen Group and sitting office bearers of the Karachi Chamber who would keep on raising a strong voice and make all out efforts to get the issues resolved.

    Zubair Motiwala, while recalling his journey with Late Siraj Kassam Teli, said that the vacuum created after the sad demise of late Siraj Teli cannot be filled by anyone but he along with all Vice Chairmen BMG and General Secretary BMG would try their level best to come up to the expectations of the entire business & industrial community, particularly the small traders who play the role of backbone in the economy. “We always spoke vocally about your issues and would continue to do so in future as well with same zeal and enthusiasm. KCCI would move forward hands-in-hands and its doors will always remain open for small traders while the policies introduced by Late Siraj Teli will remain intact and any inevitable change in these policies would only take place after consultation.”

    Speaking on the occasion, President KCCI M. Shariq Vohra said that the small traders were the assets of KCCI and the Chamber fully realizes their significance. KCCI’s role is to facilitate and support the business community in dealing with numerous government related matters and pave way for the progress and prosperity of small traders. “This is our job and we will remain unshakable until numerous issues are amicably resolved”, he added.

  • Budget 2021/2022 to focus on easing tax burden: Member IR

    Budget 2021/2022 to focus on easing tax burden: Member IR

    Karachi: The upcoming federal budget will ease the burden on the industrial sector to reduce the cost of doing business to facilitate industrial and exporters, Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq, Member Inland Revenue (Operations), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), said on Friday.

    The Member was addressing the members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) during his four day visit to the city.

    The Member said that the FBR was working on a policy to reduce the cost of doing business.

    He said that it was encouraging that export orders were increasing. Further, a report of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) pointed out a reduction in the cost of doing business.

    “The budget 2021/2022 will focus on reducing the cost of production. Further, the priority will be easing the tax burden on the industrial sector,” the Member added.

    FBR receives numerous budget suggestions every year, he said, adding that the KCCI should send essential proposals.

    The Member said that the condition of CNIC was part of the statute. He also said that audit was part of the taxation system.

    He said that the FBR would introduce a new tax policy in the next three months. The Member said that refunds would be paid when claimed.

  • President Alvi assures business community of resolving gas shortage

    President Alvi assures business community of resolving gas shortage

    KARACHI: President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi on Saturday assured business community of resolving issue of gas shortage on priority basis.

    In response to deep concerns expressed by President Karachi Chamber of Commerce Industry (KCCI) M. Shariq Vohra on serious gas crises being suffered by Karachi, President Dr. Arif Alvi assured to take up this matter with relevant ministers and update the business community within a couple of days on what exactly were the causes for gas shortages and what strategies were being devised to deal with the situation, according to a statement issued by the KCCI.

    The assurance was given at a meeting held here at Governor House on Saturday in which President KCCI Shariq Vohra informed President Dr. Alvi that the ongoing gas crises in Karachi has become a very serious issue that needs to be probed because at a time when the exports were picking up, some elements somewhere in the system abruptly intervened and created gas shortage which has resulted in closure of many factories.

    He feared that if the gas crises go on like this, it would become difficult not only for the exporters to dispatch their shipments on time but also the general industries will not be able ensure smooth supply goods in the local markets.

    He said that the hardships being faced by the business & industrial community of Karachi due to suspension of gas supply needs to be given special attention and promptly resolved otherwise, the situation would have a serious impact on the industrial performance and the economy, besides triggering massive unemployment and poverty.

    Appreciating President Alvi’s efforts being made for the betterment differently abled persons in the society who deserve access to employment, President KCCI assured that the Karachi Chamber fully supports President Alvi’s initiative and has started working on this project.

    In this regard, relevant information has already been posted on KCCI’s website while emails and letters have also been sent to KCCI members and a meeting has also been convened in the month of January to discuss the possibilities of employing maximum number of disabled people in various factories and industrial units.

  • Tax Return Filing: KCCI urges Prime Minister to facilitate taxpayers

    Tax Return Filing: KCCI urges Prime Minister to facilitate taxpayers

    KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) – the largest chamber in the country – has requested the prime minister to grant extension in the last date for filing return of income up to January 31, 2021.

    KCCI in this regard sent a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday and requested to extend the last date for filing income tax return.

    It is important to note that the business community is approaching the executive of the country after the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) refused to facilitate taxpayers to comply with mandatory requirement.

    KCCI president Shariq Vohra has requested the government to extend the last date for filing Income Tax returns up to January 31, 2021 as many taxpayers have not been able to file their returns on time due to COVID-19 pandemic.

    President KCCI has written a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan in which it has been pointed out that the entire nation including taxpayers were hard hit by the first wave of Covid-19 and now second wave has gripped masses including the taxpayers particularly and tax practitioners which is a serious life threat for everyone.

    Hence, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) must be directed to extend the last date for filing income tax return up to January 31, 2021 which would be widely appreciated by the business community, he added.