KARACHI: Director General of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Syed Shujaat Hussain, has announced the formation of a dedicated committee to resolve issues faced by traders and industrialists. This announcement was made during a luncheon organized by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), where prominent industrialists including KATI President Johar Qandhari, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Senior Vice President Nighat Awan, Former Presidents Danish Khan, Salim-uz-Zaman, Masood Naqi, Sheikh Fazal-e-Jalil, Ehtshamuddin, Warial Indhar of KDA, Arshad Khan, Jameel Ahmed, Mohibullah Jafri and other KATI officials were present.
The newly formed committee will be chaired by DG Shujaat Hussain himself and will hold monthly meetings to ensure that the grievances of the industrial sector are addressed promptly and effectively. The committee will also include members nominated by KATI, ensuring that the industrialists’ voices are directly heard in the decision-making process. Hussain emphasized that he will be personally involved in every meeting to guarantee that the problems of industrialists are not only heard but also resolved on a priority basis.
DG Shujaat Hussain highlighted that the KDA will collaborate closely with KATI to implement various projects beneficial to the industrial sector. One such initiative is the provision of parks and grounds to industrialists for renovation, which will be facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He also addressed specific concerns related to Mehran Town, noting that while the Supreme Court’s decision limits the scope of action in this area, KATI’s suggestions regarding cottage industries would be considered seriously.
Earlier, KATI President Johar Qandhari underscored the urgent need for the establishment of new industrial zones to accommodate the growing industrial activities in Karachi. He stressed the importance of ensuring that resources are adequately supplied to both new and existing industrial zones. Qandhari expressed concern over the soaring prices of industrial land, which he said are driving many industrialists to relocate their operations to other provinces where land is more affordable. He warned that this trend could harm Karachi’s economic landscape if not addressed.
Qandhari also called for a comprehensive new survey of Karachi, stating that it is essential to identify and resolve the city’s ongoing challenges. He urged the government to digitize land records to prevent land grabbing and provide a secure environment for law-abiding citizens. The lack of accurate and computerized land records, he said, is causing significant difficulties for builders, developers, and ordinary citizens alike. Qandhari advocated for strict measures by regulatory authorities to halt illegal constructions and expedite approvals for legal developments.
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya added his voice to the discussion, expressing disappointment in KDA’s current performance compared to its past achievements. He recalled the era of ZA Nizami, when KDA was considered a stellar institution, and lamented that it is now struggling to fulfill its responsibilities. Chhaya emphasized the need for civic institutions to take better care of Karachi, which has suffered from years of mismanagement. He proposed that a focal person be appointed within KATI to specifically address and prioritize the issues faced by industrialists. Chhaya also highlighted the government’s neglect of small industries, which he argued are crucial to Karachi’s economic health.
Chhaya also pointed out that according to a 2022 survey, there are over 200,000 small and large factories in Karachi. He called for more support for industrialists, particularly in converting residential plots into commercial ones, and advocated for the establishment of an industrial zone in Surjani to meet the growing demand.
Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, also present at the event, echoed the concerns of the other speakers. He emphasized that KATI is the largest industrial zone in Pakistan, yet its issues are being overlooked by the city government and administrative bodies. Khan strongly recommended the formation of a joint committee between KDA and KATI to facilitate better communication and cooperation in resolving the challenges faced by the industrial community.
Former KATI President Masood Naqi also spoke at the event, reiterating the need for close collaboration between KDA and KATI to ensure that industrialists’ concerns are addressed effectively.
