Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday blamed Federal government of showing indifference in resolving ongoing K-Electric (KE) and SSGC conflict, making lives of Karachiities miserable for last few weeks. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of 15th My Karachi - Oasis of Harmony Exhibition at Expo centre, CM Sindh demanded that the Board of Directors and Management of both these entities should immediately be handed over to Sindh government if the federal government failed to control them.
He said that he had written two letters to Prime Minister and personally spoke to him at least 6 times but to no avail. "The Prime Minister, during conversation last Sunday, informed that a meeting has been called to resolve the issue but unfortunately that meeting remained unfruitful to provide any kind of relief."
He was of the opinion that the federal government, despite having 24 percent stake in K-Electric and 73 percent in SSGC, was unable to resolve this issue which is really worrisome for Sindh government.
"We have no share at all in both these entities. We have been demanding representation in K-Electric and SSGC as the problem is being suffered by the people of Karachi and Sindh," he added.
Murad Ali Shah said, "Prime Minister and Advisor for Finance are busy in foreign tours which is the only thing that matters to them. Although we don't have the capacity to completely take over these companies and it is also not our legal right, Sindh government should be given some authority so that these companies could be forced to do work. The industry and citizens should not suffer because of the ongoing conflict."
He said that the federal government simply did not want the industry of Karachi to stay operational as they have been hatching many conspiracies from time to time against this city by ruining the law and order situation and discouraging people from visiting Karachi.
"However, the people and industrialists of Karachi are very resilient which is not acceptable to the Federal Government. Hence, they continue to create problems and this conflict between K-Electric and SSGC is part of another conspiracy."
Murad Ali Shah announced to walk out from the forthcoming CCI and NEC meetings to be held next week if K-Electric & SSGC conflict would remain unresolved.
He further shared that the federal government was using the FIA to force SSGC to refrain from providing gas, which he termed as a matter of concern as FIA was being used to deprive the people of Karachi from electricity.
Chairman Businessmen Group & Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli, in his remarks, appreciated Chief Minister and Sindh Minister for Industries for their support and cooperation constantly being extended to Karachi Chamber's My Karachi Exhibition. "Sindh government has been constantly supporting this exhibition since 2004 which we greatly acknowledge," he added.
Muffasar Malik also appreciated the support extended by Sindh Government, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Law Enforcing Agencies for making this event successful.
He was of the view that despite numerous problems confronting the economy, the business community remains steadfast to face the challenges and remove obstacles impeding the pace of commercial and industrial activities.
At 15th My Karachi - Oasis of Harmony Exhibition, domestic as well as foreign businesses will once again be participating with a view to synchronize their trades. "Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Romania and Ukraine are participating in this year's event whereas Thailand and Indonesia will be establishing special pavilions," he added.
"We have designed fifteenth sequel of "My Karachi - Oasis of Harmony" exhibition to expose the great potential of regional trade. We have doubled the capacity of Food Court and Kids Playing areas where many new recreational facilities will be provided to visiting families," he added.
Chairman Special Committee for My Karachi Exhibition, Muhammad Idrees stated that more than 300 stalls showcasing Pakistani products and services have been established at this year's exhibition which will be spread over all six halls of the Expo centre. Sindh Minister for Industries Manzoor Hussain Wassan, Vice Chairmen BMG Zubair Motiwala, Anjum Nisar and others were also present on the occasion.
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