Rs1,100bn package for Karachi: Teli says pace of implementation needs to be quickened

KARACHI: The Chairman of Businessmen Group (BMG) and a former president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Siraj Kassam Teli, has said that the survival of entire Pakistan is dependent on the survival of Karachi, and, hence, the implementation of the Rs1100-billion package for Karachi has to be intensified otherwise the gigantic task of rebuilding Karachi's infrastructure will neither be completed in the next three years, nor even in the next five years.

While referring to his appeals and statements to the media since August 4 when the federal government stepped in and engaged the NDMA and the FWO in the drive to clean rainwater drains/canals which was followed by the extraordinary torrential rains in the last week of August, the BMG chairman categorically stated that he stood by all those statements which were not against any individual or party but some elements were twisting his statements and presenting a wrong picture.

The crux of all those statements was to highlight Karachi's dilapidated infrastructure which has completely been ruined during the last 20 years while the recent spell of rains have further worsened and destroyed this city.

"It has become inevitable to immediately rebuilt Karachi's infrastructure otherwise the massive revenue being generated from this city, which is utilized for running the entire country, will start declining if the infrastructure issue is not straightaway addressed.

"Any delay would not only destroy Karachi but also the economy as the national exchequer would be deprived of the huge revenue of more than 65 percent being generated from Karachi and 95 percent revenue in the provincial kitty," he said.

He said, "I also demanded that the task to rebuild Karachi has to be outsourced and given to NDMA and FWO under army's supervision while federal and provincial governments must also fund the infrastructure development of Karachi. Initially, I demanded and then the entire Karachiites also demanded the same that led to the announcement of Rs1100 billion package for Karachi by the prime minister and the chief minister and we are thankful to them. Both the governments have provided funds and committees have also been formed but we still have reservations hence, instead of arguing over 'who did what and how much', it is very crucial to immediately start implementation of rebuilding Karachi as any delays would eventually give losses and intensify hardships not only for Karachiites but also for all the Pakistanis.

"This was, this is and this will always be my demand until Karachi's infrastructure is completely reconstructed. My demand has been supported by an overwhelming majority of Karachiites and the business and industrial community. I have no issues even if there are people reluctant to give credit to me for bringing this serious issue to everyone's notice and appealing to rebuild Karachi. Nonetheless, my legitimate demand should not be negated which has led both the governments to sit together and come out with this package."

He said that if the task to rebuild Karachi's infrastructure was set to be completed in the next three years but if the implementation is delayed, the task will neither be completed in three years nor even in five years.

"Politics has to be set aside when dealing with Karachi's infrastructure issue, and everyone must seriously focus on initiating development work at the earliest," he said.

Siraj Teli was of the opinion that the entire infrastructure of Karachi, including roads, sewerage lines and rainwater drains/canals, etc., had to be completely revamped and reconstructed while steps must also be taken on top priority basis to end KE's monopoly, and the industries should get uninterrupted gas supply at adequate gas pressure without any suspension of gas on Sundays that would certainly ensure an improved industrial performance and prove prosperous for Pakistan's economy.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020