Business leaders call for reforms to revive Karachi’s economy

Business and opinion leaders have called for reviving Karachi’s economy by strengthening the local government system, revamping road infrastructure, lowering energy costs, easing tax burden, resolving civic issues, cracking down on street criminals and introducing mandatory reforms aimed at boosting the economy.

Leading exporter and Site Association of Industry (SAI) President Abdul Rehman Fudda said, “Nothing can be done in isolation. For business growth we must have business and industry friendly policies at national level which include compatible energy cost, lower corporate tax rates and overall conducive environment.

“Particularly for Karachi we need full support of provincial and local government and law enforcement agencies to provide good infrastructure support, controlled law and order, proper supply of water, keeping industrial zones free from harassment of different government departments.”

Fudda said the most important thing is to give the industrial zone’s associations ownership to their respective areas like we have in Korangi, FB Area and North Karachi, where there are development and management companies (DMCs) which are authorised and responsible for maintenance and development of their respective areas. The same is needed for Site area in Karachi, he stated.

He said: “Basic issue is poor governance. These all issues fall under provincial and local governments where we see complete failure. Besides incompetency, there is mostly no or ill will prevailing.” He said alignment of political leadership, administration and security agencies to restore rule of law is the key to get desired results. Successful introduction of e-traffic challan is a good example which shows courage and determination of relevant authority, he added.

Eminent industrialist Dr Muhammad Farooq Afzal said Karachi is the economic engine of Pakistan, but its businesses and industrial zones need reliable infrastructure and an enabling environment to remain competitive. Development funds should be spent in consultation with industrial associations on roads, drainage, water, sewerage and other essential infrastructure, he maintained.

“Industry must also receive uninterrupted and competitively priced electricity and gas. At the same time, Karachi needs easier business regulations, efficient port connectivity, better public transport and stronger support for exports and investment. A permanent coordination mechanism involving government, local authorities and business leadership should monitor implementation and ensure accountability,” he stressed.

He said Karachi’s problems cannot be solved through isolated or temporary measures as the city needs strong governance and coordinated action. Police must be local, modernised, depoliticised and held accountable, with intelligence-based policing and surveillance to curb street crime, robberies and extortion, he emphasised.

“Land records should be digitised and illegal occupation dealt with firmly. Traffic laws must be enforced without discrimination, while mass transit and road infrastructure require urgent improvement. Reliable electricity, gas and piped water are basic necessities. Above all, Karachi needs an empowered city administration with clear authority, adequate resources and accountability for delivery,” he said.

Opinion leader and Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Sindh General Secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim said Karachi can develop by leaps and bounds through eliminating rampant corruption, strengthening the local government system and providing quality education with a view to bolster up the Karachi economy following the national economy of the country.

He fulminated against 18-year-old ruling party in Sindh and called for good governance as all criminals should be disbanded and proper law and order should be restored. He said strict and upright administration can play its role in delivering Karachi from robbers, land grabbers, and various mafia being sponsored, while Sindh chief minister is responsible for all ills in the port city.

Agriculturalist and PML-N Senior Vice President Shah Mohammad Shah said countrymen of the entire country thronged Karachi while stressing need for better local government system from federal government to provincial government and from provincial government to the local bodies system.

He urged all people to pay taxes properly and pleaded for ensuring facilities to labour class while controlling the population boost in the business hub of the country, completing pending motorways in Sindh, generating employment and ensuring smooth traveling.