KCCI Concerned Over City's Civic, Infrastructure Issues

KARACHI, Jan 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 06th Jan, 2017 ) : President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Shamim Ahmed Firpo on Friday called for fully empowering the Local Governments; especially in Karachi which is badly faced with the issues of cleanliness and shortage of drinking and industrial water supply.

At many places, the citizens are getting contaminated water. There were heaps of garbage on the streets and roads in most of the city areas besides unchecked overflowing gutters, he claimed while talking to APP here.

When his comments were sought on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), President KCCI, which is the largest chamber of the country, highly appreciated it in toto. " We as a nation should support CPEC in one voice.

It is very much in our interest," he asserted. However, he emphasized, Karachi Chamber should be taken on board while taking important decisions relating to CPEC and this largest chamber should be provided with full opportunity to participate in the projects linked to CPEC.

KCCI Chief cautioned that the government should very carefully act while negotiating the terms and policies regarding CPEC, and guard the interests of the country.

He called upon the Central and Sindh governments to develop better infrastructure and required environment for the growth of industry and trade in the city, which is the economic hub of the country.

On this occasion, he demanded that natural gas supply holiday/suspension to industries on Sundays be withdrawn in the interest of the business community and the country. Similarly, he said, smooth supply of electricity be ensured to industries and trade centres of the city.

Shamim Ahmed Firpo called for withdrawal of discretionary powers given to Federal Board of Revenue officials, which were taken back earlier, to allow the businessmen to carry out their activities without fear of being allegedly harassed or discriminated.

The powers given to FBR in last four national budgets had proved counterproductive, he maintained. He said Karachi Chamber would submit its proposals for the next federal annual budget unless these discriminatory powers were withdrawn.