Govt, KCCI hold key talks on Karachi’s industrial woes

May 08, 2025 (MLN): To address several pressing issues concerning Karachi's industrial sector such as electricity supply, water provision, rising gas levies, tax collection problems, and challenges faced by exporters a pivotal online meeting was held.

The meeting took place between Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, and the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) via Zoom.

During the discussion, Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized the formation of committees to tackle these issues, with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce playing a significant role in these initiatives.

The committees were set up following the Prime Minister’s directives to ensure a focused and systematic approach to resolving the concerns of local chambers and industrialists.

"The goal is to resolve all the issues that are hindering the growth of our industries," said Haroon Akhtar Khan.

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision, Haroon Akhtar Khan reiterated the urgency of boosting industrial growth across Pakistan.

He highlighted that the ongoing tariff war presents a unique opportunity for Pakistani industries to compete globally, as per the press release issued today.

"The Prime Minister has directed us to revive local industries and significantly enhance exports," he added.

A significant update came from the Special Assistant, who reported that due to the Prime Minister’s efforts, the policy rate has been reduced to 11%, a move expected to ease the financial burden on businesses.

However, Shawal Malik from KCCI pointed out a critical challenge—the aging and deteriorating electricity infrastructure in Karachi, which is leading to increased production costs for local businesses.

Despite these challenges, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan reassured the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry that the government is fully committed to resolving these issues and supporting Karachi’s industrial sector.

This meeting marks a crucial step toward the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the growth and competitiveness of Pakistani industries.

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