KARACHI: The All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) has claimed that the deteriorating infrastructure conditions, mismanagement and widespread corruption in the New Sazbi Mandi (Fruit and Vegetable Market Karachi) are significantly obstructing traders’ efforts to boost the exports.
The PFVA has formally lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister of Sindh, expressing serious concerns over the deteriorating infrastructure conditions and alleged corruption within the management of Fruits & Vegetable Market (called the New Subzi Mandi). The market, located on the Superhighway, is among the largest in South Asia and plays a critical role in supporting Pakistan’s export economy, especially through fruit and vegetable exports that generate valuable foreign exchange.
In a detailed letter to the chief minister, PFVA’s Secretary General, Capt Muhammad Ilyas Khan (retd), described the market’s mismanagement, poor infrastructure and corruption, which he argues are undermining Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its economy.
The association said that a some process plants are setup within Sabzi Mandi and foreign buyers often visit the market to assess products for large import orders but decline to confirm their orders due to deplorable condition that led to lost deals worth millions of US dollars.
The PFVA highlighted issues including corruption and mismanagement, poor infrastructure, occupation of the properties and shops by illegal occupants and traffic congestion in the market due to illegal occupation of open spaces reserved for parking.
The PFVA has alleged that the current management and administration of the Market Committee is involved in widespread corruption and even shops and properties are reportedly being allotted at outdated rates from 2001 (Rs 125 per square foot), despite the current market rate having risen to Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000 per square foot. This has allegedly resulted in massive losses to the market. They alleged that approximately Rs 60 to 80 crores have already been siphoned off by causing deliberate loss to the kitty of the Market Committee.
The Association claimed that daily market and vehicle fees, collected in cash at market gates, are not deposited into the Market Committee’s official account, adding to the Market Committee’s financial deficit.
The PVA has also highlighted the appointment of 10 to 12 legal advisors by the Market Committee, well above the two advisors stipulated by regulations. The PFVA claimed this is further evidence of nepotism, draining additional funds from the Committee’s reserves.
The PFVA warns that these issues have hindered the growth and development of Karachi’s fruits and vegetable market, preventing it from reaching its full potential. They argue that corrupt practices prioritize personal gain over the market’s welfare, impacting genuine traders and Pakistan’s export prospects.
The letter also mentioned that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi is investigating the allegations against the chairman, expressing hope for a fair and swift resolution. The PFVA has offered its full cooperation to NAB and is prepared to present documentary evidence to substantiate its claims.
The PFVA has urged the chief minister and NAB Karachi to take urgent action on vegetable market issues so it can contribute in the growth of exports.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024