Practical steps needed to resolve business community’s issues: Tanveer

HYDERABAD: S M Tanveer, Patron-in-Chief of United Business Group while addressing the business community at the platform of Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry on Tuesday has said that resolving the issues of the business community requires not merely announcements but practical measures, continuous engagement and effective lobbying.

He assured that the issues raised by the Hyderabad Chamber leadership would be compiled into a priority list and pursued through consistent follow-up for their resolution.

He lauded the decision by Bilal Khan, Vice President FPCCI, Sindh Region, to invite Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to Hyderabad for a direct meeting with representatives of the business community and various chambers. He expressed his commitment that an effective voice and practical role would continue to be maintained at both the federal and provincial levels for resolving the issues of the business community.

Earlier, Muhammad Saleem Memon, President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry, in his welcome address said that Hyderabad’s trade, industrial and business community is playing an important role in the national economy, employment generation and tax revenue, but continues to face numerous challenges, including electricity, gas, infrastructure, production costs and the taxation system.

He said that the FBR system should be made simple, transparent and workable for small traders, while Hyderabad’s industrial sector requires special attention, improved infrastructure and new industrial facilities.

He also highlighted the impact of fluctuations in petroleum product prices on business and production costs. The Chamber president demanded a regular stop for railway cargo services/freight trains in Hyderabad, saying that this would facilitate the transportation of goods, reduce business costs and create new opportunities for commercial and industrial activity in the city.

On the occasion, newly elected President HCSTSI Nadeem Ahmed Siddiqui said that Hyderabad SITE generates approximately Rs 120 to 200 billion in economic activity annually, while the overall industrial potential of the city is considerably greater. However, industries continue to face difficulties due to inadequate industrial infrastructure, electricity, gas, water, roads, labour and other basic facilities.

He called upon the government to take practical measures to provide facilities to industrialists and traders eliminate unnecessary pressure from tax and other government departments, and make the one-window facility effective.

Referring to the long-pending allotment of industrial plots in Hyderabad SITE, he said that despite announcements made 16 years ago regarding the provision of plots for industrial purposes and payments made by applicants, many industrialists have still not received possession of their plots.

He said that if the available industrial land in Hyderabad SITE is transparently provided to industrialists, it could significantly increase investment and industrial activity, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the national economy.

On the occasion, Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI, assured the business and industrial community of Hyderabad of his cooperation in resolving their issues. He said that after consultation with the federal minister for Railways, he would pursue the matter of a cargo train stop in Hyderabad so that the city’s business and industrial sectors could benefit from improved freight transportation facilities.

HCSTSI Patron Masood Pervaiz, in his address, appreciated the active and effective efforts of S M Tanveer, Atif Ikram Sheikh and Bilal Khan in resolving the issues of the trade and business community. He said that these leaders have consistently played an active role in conveying the voice of the business community to the relevant authorities and pursuing practical solutions to their problems.

On the occasion, senior leadership of Hyderabad Chamber, members of the Executive Committee, representatives of all trade bodies of Sindh, President Hyderabad Press Club, and a large number of traders and industrialists were also present.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026