Allocation of gas quota: chief minister seeks KCCI support to build up Sindh's case

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has sought the support of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in advocating Sindh government's case vis-à-vis its due share in gas quota. Inaugurating 12th exhibition of KCCI "My Karachi-Oasis of Harmony" on Friday at Expo Centre, he said that it has been clearly stated in the Constitution of Pakistan that a province where gas or minerals are recovered will have first-right over it.
"Sindh's share in the country's total gas production is around 70 per and I am fighting this case with the federal government," the chief minister added.
He also deplored that the federal government has not apprised Sindh government before importing liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Referring to the city's water crisis, he said that the provincial government has already initiated work on the K-IV water project which is estimated to cost Rs25.55 billion. Sindh government will meet 50 per cent cost of the project while the federal government which is required to contribute 50pc cost of the project has not yet released its share.
Vowing to undertake all mega projects of the city, including development of its infrastructure, he said that the federal government has agreed to provide 50pc matching grant for these projects.
He sought KCCI's help in controlling Karachi's law and order situation so that the city could be brought at part with the developed cities of the world.
Attributing the city's water, power, transport and cleanliness problems to high influx of population in the metropolis, he said that most of the issues have been created due to continuous flow of people from India, Bangladesh and Burma.
At the outset, the chief minister lauded the KCCI's role in highlighting the city's positive image through its `My Karachi Exhibition'.
Earlier, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan's (TDAP) chief executive S M Muneer said that the problems being faced by various industries in Karachi were hindering Pakistani exports. "We need water, gas and electricity in order to pull the country out of ongoing crisis", he added.
He, however, appreciated the efforts being made by Sindh government under the supervision of chief minister for effectively controlling the city's law and order situation, saying such efforts are resulting in improving the overall law and order situation in the metropolis.
He also paid tributes to the armed forces' personnel for sacrificing their lives for the sake of peace and stability in the country.
Leader of Businessmen Group (BMG) and former president of KCCI, Siraj Kassim Teli, said the that the Chamber had been holding "My Karachi Exhibition" for the last 12 years to highlight the positive image of Karachi in the eyes of foreign investors and traders.
Lauding the efforts of police and Rangers in maintaining peace in Karachi, he hoped that efforts being made by heads of law-enforcement agencies and Sindh government will restore peace and tranquility in the city.
Former president of KCCI, Zubair Motiwala, said that it was a matter of pride that consulates and multinational firms of 19 different countries have set up their stalls in the exhibition's `Diplomatic Pavilion'.
He requested foreign diplomats to share their experience of participating in `My Karachi Exhibition' with the business tycoons of their respective countries by compiling and sending a positive report about Pakistan which offers excellent investment opportunities to foreign investors in various sectors of the economy, particularly in infrastructure development and energy sectors.
KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra said that `My Karachi Exhibition 2015' will provide an excellent opportunity for exploring trade potential of Karachi, in particular and Pakistan, in general, which is home to natural beauty, traditions and cultural heritage.
The KCCI had organized as many as 12 "My Karachi - Oasis of Harmony 2015" exhibitions to expose the great potential of regional trade, he said, adding complimentary stalls have been provided to various Karachi-based consulates in the exhibition's International Pavilion.
Appreciating the support extended by Sindh government and the TDAP, the KCCI chief hoped that this year's exhibition will also succeed in achieving its desired objectives.
According to Vohra, representatives from Indonesia, Turkey, Switzerland, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Mauritius, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Romania are participating in the exhibition.