Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has called upon the Memon business community to double its share in the national income tax collection from "as you claim" 26 percent to 54 percent.
The Prime Minister was addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of Memon Secretariat held under the auspices of All Pakistan Memon Federation at the Governor House here on Saturday.
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghori, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammed Ali Durrani, State Minister for Finance Umer Ayub Khan, Karachi City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, Sindh Minister for Labour, Transport and Industries Adil Siddiqui and a large number of Memon businessmen were present on this occasion.
The Prime Minister said in a lighter vein, "I am happy to note that Memon community also sometimes pays income tax," and added that they should try to increase their share of income tax in the national tax pool. He said that the Memon community had greatly contributed towards the development of trade, commerce and industry in Pakistan and its role in shaping the national economy deserved recognition, appreciation and encouragement. It was because of their entrepreneurial spirit there was expansion in all sectors of economic activities, he added.
He traced the history of Memon's contribution towards Pakistan movement and, later, in the creation of Pakistan. He said: "The community has progressed a lot. The new generation has gone into a number of fields including print and electronic media, which was hitherto alien, to them." He said that there was significant change in the attitude towards education as highly educated and technically sound young men fresh from good educational institutions abroad were replacing the older generation.
He said that there had been development in Karachi and many mega projects completed much ahead of their completion dates. "We have decided to initiate another mega project for Karachi. Soon work on Mass transit project would begin. The project is being discussed and is likely to finalise in coming days. This rail service will be in addition to circular railways."
He appreciated the contribution of the Memons in the health and education sectors and said that they should give attention to vocational training as well. It would narrow down skill gaps. "Our asset is human capital and we want to make full use of this asset. They are to be taught and trained in skills that are needed to run industries efficiently. Their gainful absorption could be assured only through proper and appropriate technical skills." The prime minister asked the community to think about bringing women folk in the mainstream business, social services, education and health activities.
He said that the community should take advantage of their educated women and encourage female literacy more.
He said that women in other communities were working shoulder to shoulder with men whereas in the Memon community this change looked as if would take time to be acceptable to male members of the community. Encourage them to be equal partners in all walks of life, he advised Memons.
Earlier, President of the All Pakistan Memon Federation Abdul Ghani Usman and General Secretary Mohammed Saleem Parakh also spoke.
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