CS, KATI industrialists discuss issues faced by business community

KARACHI, Sep 22 (APP):Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah on Tuesday said that the government's priority is to resolve the problems faced by industrialists on an urgent basis, while implementation of a one-window operation for the industrial sector is being ensured. He urged industrialists to submit their proposals so that immediate action could be taken on their concerns. Addressing industrialists at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Asif Hyder Shah said several issues were common across Karachi's seven industrial zones and would be addressed promptly through a coordinated action plan. He said the government was already aware of most of these issues and had initiated measures for their resolution. The meeting was attended by KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, KITE Limited Chairman Zahid Saeed, KITE CEO Saleem-uz-Zaman, Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed, Vice President Muhammad Talha Ali, former chairmen and presidents Masood Naqi, Johar Qandhari, Ehteshamuddin, Rashid Siddiqui, Farrukh Mazhar, Sheikh Umer Rehan, Junaid Naqi and Kanwar Qutbuddin, Managing Director and CEO Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Korangi Deputy Commissioner Masood Bhutto, SSP Korangi Fida Hussain Janwari, Managing Director Sindh Mass Transit Authority Behzad Memon, Project Director Yellow Line and BRT Kamal Dayo, TMC Korangi Municipal Commissioner Ghulam Sarwar Rahupoto, and other senior officials and KATI members. Chief Secretary said all concerns raised by KATI regarding the Yellow Line project would be addressed. Asif Hyder Shah said issues relating to stamp duty, the Labour Department and minimum-wage inspectors would be resolved through consultation. Earlier, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said the Sindh government had approved a total development package of Rs 9.282 billion for Karachi's industrial areas, including Rs. 2 billion allocated for the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry. He termed the decision an important example of an industry-friendly policy and cooperation between the government and industrial sector. Rajput stressed the need for additional development funds and a comprehensive, phased infrastructure development package for Korangi. He said water supply remained one of the major problems facing industries in the area. KATI Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya said the task force established by the government was performing its responsibilities effectively and that industrialists' complaints had declined significantly since its formation. He also said the issue of Mehran Town remained unresolved and stressed that, in light of the relief provided by a recent Supreme Court decision, it was necessary to grant Mehran Town the status of an industrial area. During the meeting, infrastructure issues in Karachi, particularly the Korangi Industrial Area, as well as Mehran Town, the Labour Department, fire safety, minimum-wage inspectors, stamp duty, and issues relating to the Revenue Department and taxation were discussed.