TRADE & ECONOMY
Karachi: In a recent meeting with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah asserted that Karachi is the highest income-earning city in Pakistan, owing its success to the favorable business environment fostered by the Sindh government. He urged the business community to promote Karachi as a peaceful and business-friendly city.
The Chief Minister noted that the federal government is working to reduce electricity prices, while the Sindh government is also taking steps to make electricity more affordable for businesses. He pledged to address the gas shortage in Sindh, advocating for the local supply of gas to meet the needs of both domestic and industrial consumers.
Senior Minister of Transport Sharjeel Memon highlighted that traffic flow has been impacted by the BRT Red Line and other development projects, proposing investment opportunities in electric buses and transport infrastructure. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Zia Linjar assured that law and order issues are being resolved through collaboration with the business community.
Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab announced the initiation of water supply projects aimed at industrial needs, including a saltwater desalination plant and a water treatment facility. Additionally, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch stated that efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of outpatient departments in local hospitals.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chief Minister and the KCCI delegation agreed to resolve the long-standing issue of infrastructure cess through dialogue rather than litigation. Both parties acknowledged the potential for utilizing the funds currently held in court for the development of Karachi's infrastructure, as well as addressing the owed water charges amounting to 72 billion rupees.