Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) and former president of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Siraj Kassam Teli, while strongly criticising the passage of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) Bill 2015 by the Senate, urged the business and industrial community of Karachi, particularly the textile sector, to lead the protest and take to streets against this anti-business move of the government.
Teli was speaking at a dinner reception hosted at PAF Convention Centre by KCCI and the Businessmen Group (BMG) to mark 18 years of Public Service of Businessmen Group from KCCI's platform. Vice Chairmen BMG, Zubair Motiwala, Haroon Farooki, Anjum Nisar, President KCCI Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra, Senior Vice President KCCI, Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, Vice President KCCI Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, former presidents KCCI AQ Khalil, M. Haroon Bari, Khalid Firoz, Majyd Aziz, Muhammad Saeed Shafiq, Mian Abrar Ahmed, Abdullah Zaki and members KCCI Managing Committee were also present on the occasion.
BMG Chairman Siraj Teli cautioned the entire business and industrial community that tough time was just ahead so the entire business community must be ready to face the consequences of the anti-business and negative policies of the government towards the business community of Karachi only whereas the rest of the country remains exempted from such policies. Criticising the approach of the present government, Teli said that it was neither a business-friendly nor a Karachi-friendly government as Karachi was constantly being victimised through discretionary powers to various departments. "Despite contributing more than 65 to 70 percent revenue to the national exchequer, Karachi city is constantly being mistreated. If Karachi stops contributing, the government will not be able to meet its expenditure. Some people say Karachi city is mini-Pakistan and business and industrial hub but I always say and believe that Karachi is Pakistan and without Karachi there is no Pakistan," he added.
Commenting on water shortages being suffered by Karachiites, Teli said that a false impression about water shortages were being issued as there was no shortage of water. Karachi receives around 700 to 800 million gallons per day but they falsely claim to have been receiving 500 MGD only.
He was of the view that an artificial water shortage was deliberately being created with a view to financially benefit from the situation by supplying water through tankers at exorbitant rates instead of supplying the same via pipelines in which politicians, Water Board and the bureaucracy were involved. He urged the business community to speak the truth and jointly raise voice for resolving numerous problems being suffered by the citizens of Karachi.
Siraj Teli further said that KCCI never supported any strikes or lockdowns but there were some illegal trade bodies, industrial alliances, business councils and forums who have been supporting strike calls and unfortunately, the media also highlights them by immediately broadcasting their TV tickers. In this regard, he requested the media to act responsibly and discourage such illegal trade bodies who give irresponsible statements.
Highlighting the journey of Businessmen Group since 1998, Siraj Teli stated that due to clear policy of Public Service and implementation of transparent policies, KCCI has succeeded in restoring the confidence of the entire business community and today's immense participation of thousands of supporters to celebrate 18 years of BMG's success is a testimony of our commitment and truthfulness towards resolving the issues being faced by the business community of Karachi.
Speaking on the occasion, Zubair Motiwala said that implementation of GIDC Bill 2015 will raise gas prices by 35 percent, which will create serious problems for many industrial units, enhance unemployment and make Pakistani products uncompetitive in the international markets.-PR
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