Karachi: The Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, on Thursday, said that resolving the issues faced by industrialists on an urgent basis is among the priorities of the government and implementation of a one-window operation for the industrial sector was being ensured.
Being cognizant of several issues of the industrial areas of Karachi, the government has already initiated measures for their resolution, he said while addressing industrialists at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), said a statement issued here.
Issues faced by Karachi’s seven industrial zones would be addressed promptly through a coordinated action plan, the CS Sindh said and urged the industrialists to submit proposals so that immediate action could be taken on their concerns.
Asif Hyder Shah, highlighting the economic importance of Korangi industrial area and unhindered industrial operations, stressed that all development projects, including the Yellow Line, should be executed without disrupting industrial operations in a coordinated manner.
Issues relating to stamp duty, the Labour Department and minimum-wage inspectors could be resolved through consultation, he said and asked KATI to submit its proposals regarding Mehran Town and other issues, proposing formation of a three-member committee to facilitate industry and develop an action plan for resolving problems faced by industrial units.
Earlier, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said the Sindh government had approved a total development package of Rs 9.282 billion for Karachi’s industrial areas, including Rs 2 billion allocated for the KATI.
Terming it as the beginning of resolution of problems of the Korangi Industrial Area accumulated over several decades, he stressed a sustained and comprehensive development program along with additional resources and continued attention for their permanent resolution.
KATI Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya said that Yellow Line was an excellent initiative for the development of Karachi, but a comprehensive implementation mechanism is required to ensure continuity of industrial operations.
Export consignments were transported from Korangi industries to ports and other parts of the country on a daily basis and any delay or disruption could cause irreparable losses to industry as well as the national economy, he noted.
During the meeting, KITE Limited Chairman Zahid Saeed, former presidents and chairmen Masood Naqi, Sheikh Umer Rehan, KITE CEO Saleem-uz-Zaman, Rashid Siddiqui, Junaid Naqi, Farrukh Mazhar and Nighat Awan, among others, discussed infrastructure issues in Karachi, particularly the Korangi Industrial Area, as well as Mehran Town, the Labour Department, fire safety, minimum-wage inspectors, stamp duty, and issues relating to the Revenue Department and taxation.
The meeting was attended by President KATI Ikram Rajput, Chairman KITE Limited Zahid Saeed, KITE CEO Saleem-uz-Zaman, Managing Director Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, MD Sindh Mass Transit Authority Behzad Memon, PD Yellow Line and BRT Kamal Dayo, Deputy Commissioner, SSP and other officers of Korangi district as well as senior leaders and members of KATI.