A meeting of office-bearers of associations of various commercial centres of Karachi was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. The issues of law and order at commercial centres, bazars and markets, load-shedding, business hours, issuance of arms licence to business people and other matters came under consideration.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Karachi is the hub of Pakistan's economy and peaceful business activities here proves advantageous not only for Karachi or Sindh province but for whole country and it is the responsibility of all of us to work collectively for national progress and prosperity of people.
He assured that Sindh government will take all possible steps for the security of business people and business centres. He informed that government has taken various decisions for ensuring law and order situation and for the first phase, 2000 cops have been recruited for Karachi while 5,000 more were being recruited.
He told the businessmen that he had talked to authorised officers of KESC and MD SSGC and they have given assurance of reduced load-shedding. Qaim pointed out that during his recent visit to Karachi, prime minister inaugurated a big power generation project in Korangi which would produce 500-600 mw of electricity.
He said the government effort will be that no load-shedding takes place during summer, particularly during day time so that no inconvenience is caused to people and trading is done during day time.
On the occasion the office-bearers of various trade associations assured the Chief Minister to carry out their business from 9 am to 8 pm, provided uninterrupted power supply to them was ensured and security provided at business centres. The Chief Minister announced that security arrangements would be made at shopping centres, bazars and markets and police patrolling will start an hour before their opening.