KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui has said that regular monitoring was needed to ensure long term peace in Karachi which was certainly a challenge for the Law Enforcing Agencies yet they are determined and striving hard to restore socio-economic and trading activities of Karachi.
Speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Tuesday, Commissioner Karachi said that Sindh government gives high priority to various issues being highlighted by the business and industrial community of Karachi. “With a view to facilitate trade and industrial activities, Sindh government has taken many steps to create conducive business environment and the overall situation has been improving gradually which has also been acknowledged by the business community of Karachi on various occasions”, he added.
Chairman Businessmen Group and Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli, President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra, Vice President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, Former President KCCI A.Q. Khalil, Former SVP KCCI Younus M. Bashir, DC South Muhammad Salim Rajput, DC Central Afzal Zaidi, DC East Agha Pervaiz, DC Malir Qazi Jan Muhammad, DC West Syed Muhammad Ali Shah, DC Korangi Asif Jan Siddique and KCCI Managing Committee members were present at the meeting.
Highlighting the progress and achievements of Karachi Operation, Commissioner Karachi mentioned that Chief Minister Sindh personally supervises and reviews the overall progress during periodic meetings which are attended by heads of all Law Enforcing Agencies who besides discussing other issues, also discuss concerns being expressed by the business community of Karachi.
Commenting on water shortages being faced by the city, he said that effective management of water was equally important to minimize the grievances being faced by the citizens of Karachi. He urged Deputy Commissioners of all Districts, who were also present at the meeting, to grip Chief Engineers in their respective districts and ensure equitable distribution of water to the citizens otherwise, they will held answerable for any demonstration staged in their districts against water shortages.
Responding to concerns expressed by BMG Chairman Siraj Teli over encroachment by Chhipa Welfare Association, Commissioner Karachi said that nobody will be allowed to carry out welfare activities or humanitarian services on an encroached land. He directed the concerned Deputy Commissioner East to ask Chhipa Welfare Association to immediately remove encroachment at a particular site near FTC building other the Administration will come forward to demolish their encroachment.
Appreciating the support and cooperation extended by KCCI to victims of Timber Market inferno, Commissioner Karachi assured that he will personally talk to Chief Minister so that the much-awaited Cheques Distribution Ceremony for the affectees of Timber market could be held as early as possible.
Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI, Siraj Kassam Teli, in his remarks, appreciated the efforts being made by Commissioner Karachi towards dealing with various civic issues being faced by the city.
Referring to delays in release of compensation to victims of Timber Market inferno, Siraj Teli pointed out that although the entire paperwork had been completed and even the compensation cheques for affectees were ready but the ceremony for distribution of cheques was not taking place as Sharjeel Memon and Qaim Ali Shah remain engaged in dealing with other issues. He requested Commissioner Sindh to ask Chief Minister to hold this ceremony as early as possible with a view to minimize the sufferings of Timber Market affectees.
To effectively deal with traffic jams on various streets of Karachi, Siraj Teli advised Karachi City’s administration to undertake a joint campaign in association with KCCI to raise awareness amongst masses about the basic traffic rules. He was of the view that 70 percent of traffic issues will be resolved if public transport driver were urged to stop their vehicles at designated Bus Stops.
Terming encroachments as one of the biggest issues being faced by Karachi, he urged all Deputy Commissioners to play their due role by strictly dealing with growing encroachments in all districts of Karachi city.
Referring to a particular case of encroachment by Chhipa Welfare Association near FTC building which came to KCCI’s notice seven months ago, Siraj Teli pointed out that Chhipa Welfare Association may be doing a fine job by extending various humanitarian services to the poor segment of society but that doesn’t mean that they should carry on their humanitarian and welfare activities by encroaching lands. It is a matter of grave concern that Chhipa Welfare Association in connivance with DC East encroached a piece of land near FTC building which has resulted in intensifying the hardships for affected businessman of the area. He requested Commissioner Karachi to issue strict directives for resolving this matter so that the hardships being faced by the concerned businessman due to encroachment raised by Chhipa Welfare could be minimized.
“If this issue is not resolved within one week, we will have no other option but to highlight it in the media and approach higher authorities in Islamabad for assistance”, Siraj Teli warned.
Earlier, while welcoming the guests, President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra stated that Karachi city, which contributes 68% of the total collections of the Federal Board of Revenue, has always been the victim of negligence.
He said that the poor state of infrastructure, ineffective administration, severe traffic jams, limited number of flyovers and other civic issues have deprived the city of the needed pace of economic growth.
“It is, therefore, imperative that a considerable amount of revenue, which Karachi generates, needs to be spent on improvement of its infrastructure”, he added.
He stressed the need to immediate remedial steps by Karachi Administration to overcome the slow economic growth of Karachi City which was due to lack of adequate civic facilities.
On the occasion, Former President KCCI A.Q. Khalil said that KWSB should publicize a helpline number where citizens could lodge their complaints about water supplies whereas the tankers rates for 1,000 gallons, 2,000 gallons and 5000 gallons which are Rs1000/-, Rs1300/- and Rs18,00/- respectively should also be made known.
