Due to some internal conflict between KESC and SSGC, 8 hour long load shedding has been started in industrial areas which are a killing move for industries. As a result, they'll not be able to fulfil their export commitments and on the other hand, hundreds of thousands of poor workers will become jobless and their families will have to face starvation causing serious law and order situation.
This was the concern shown by Chairman, Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FITE) M Haroon Shamsi while addressing a luncheon reception to Caretaker Minister for Industries and Commerce S Khalid Tawab, Advisor to Chief Minister Mian Zahid Husain and S M Muneer on Tuesday. He appealed the government to intervene into the matter promptly to avoid starvation of millions of poor helpless souls as well as complete destruction of industry and total collapse of country's economy, which is already crippling seriously. A committee of experts and stakeholders be formed to bring a workable solution into practice till the time regular supply of gas is restored. He further briefed about law and order problems and lack of fire fighting arrangements in this area where many a fire incidents have occurred.
The CEO of FITE Development and Management Company M Rehan Zeeshan drew attention towards considerable delay in release of matching grant of Rs 250 million from federal government being her share towards infrastructure development of this industrial area. M Idrees Gigi, subcommittee chairman for law and order urged for issuance of arm licenses to business community and to allow them to carry arms for self protection by lifting ban imposed U/s 144 by Home Ministry.
In reply, Minister for Industries, Commerce and advisor to chief minister Sindh both assured to resolve their problems and difficulties to maximum possible extent and take up load shedding issue on priority basis. Industries Minister advised CEO, FITE-DMC to approach and join hand with Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan in getting the funds released, who is already available in Islamabad in Senate session.
S M Muneer while addressing as chief guest expressed deep concern and anxiety over the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi which has been further aggravated in the recent few days and is getting worst day by day. He elaborated that people from all walks of life particularly members of the business community are mainly facing the brunt of kidnapping for ransom, extortion, car snatching, target killing etc, despite the fact that they are significantly contributing to the country's exchequer besides providing employment opportunities to hundreds of thousands people.
He said that target killings in Karachi are badly ruining the industry, trade and culture of the metropolitan and as such panic has griped the city. He said that besides these odds business community is keeping the economic wheel moving. However, they expect the caretaker government to protect their lives and property, provide conducive environment and facilitate them for undertaking their normal business activities. "This underscores the need to allow them to carry fire arm. However, their rights U/s 144 of the Constitution of Pakistan are denied by imposing ban and as such they are being victimised and are at the mercy of unscrupulous elements and law breakers" he urged. He hoped that the Chief Minister will take strict action against the culprits and deal with them with an iron hand to make Karachi again the city of lights.