KARACHI- United Business Group (UBG) Patron-in-Chief SM Muneer has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to set up a think tank to address the problems of Karachi’s business community. The first meeting of this think tank will soon be chaired by Finance Advisor Shaukat Tareen. My recent meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan was very useful and he agreed with my suggestion, he added. It is agreed that the economy can be developed by providing facilities to small and medium enterprises. Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking beneficial steps to stabilize the country’s economy which will soon yield positive results.
On this occasion, President KATI Salman Aslam, UBG Presidential Candidate in FPCCI Election Dr. Norman Butt, Candidate for Senior Vice President Mohammad Hanif Gohar, Businessman Amir Shamsi from Canada, Senior Business Leader Riaz-ud-Din Sheikh, Mudaraba Association K. Raheel Qamar Ahmed, Bashir Chaudhry and others also addressed while FPCCI Candidates for VP Danish Khan, Shabab Ahmed, Farhan Abdul Qadir, Zubair Chhaya, Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Gulzar Firoz, Sheikh Umar Rehan, Farhan-ur-Rehman, Saleem-uz-Zaman, Masood Naqi, Maheen Salman, Farrukh Qandhari, Umar Usman, Ahsan Farooqi, Shabir Bilwani, Junaid Naqi, Faraz-ur-Rehman, Muslim Mohammadi and others were also present.
SM Muneer said that in the last two years, FPCCI has become a graveyard of problems. We left Rs. 160 million in federation account, but the occupying group has squandered Rs 140 million. He said that we are proud that the business community is not only paying full attention to the improved health and education facilities in Pakistan but also patronizing various hospitals to provide free treatment to the poor. Raheel Qamar Ahmad said that the tragedy of our country is that out of 4.3 million SME’s in Pakistan only 1.5 million has loan facility available. Although this sector is providing employment to a large number of people, they should be given a share in the SBP scheme so that they can work for SMEs.
President KATI Salman Aslam said “We are doing our part to promote bilateral trade. We have recently had serious discussions with the Chinese Consul General regarding FTA and work on joint venture projects in the industrial area is underway,”
Senior Leader of Mudaraba Association Bashir Chaudhry said that the establishment of SMEDA for SMEs was implemented but its role in this regard could not be fulfilled. The SME sector has to take risks. Commercial banks cannot be used and these funds are expropriated. To date, the Mudaraba sector has not been included in this scheme. In Mudaraba, we can do whatever is in accordance with Shariah. And this is a conspiracy to tarnish the image of our country. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) was also a trader. The role of traders is important in spreading Islam. A committee consisting of members of all communities is being formed in the chamber. We have to show ourselves in the world as a peaceful society.
Candidate for SVP Hanif Gohar said that the group which has been present in FPCCI for two years, the services leaders of Businessmen’s Panel are giving to Business Community is embarrassing and tragic. DGTO is conspiring in collaboration with BMP against me but we will take justice from the Courts.
Riaz-ud-Din Sheikh said that more awareness is needed regarding Mudaraba, Sialkot is a city of SMEs and export goods and we invite Mudaraba Association to Sialkot Chamber. He said that the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce has taken an important step in Sialkot Incident and provided financial support to the deceased Sri Lankan manager. Pakistan needs to play an effective role in eradicating extremism from the country. Exhibitions are organized, Mudaraba Association should also visit Canada. Bilateral trade as well as sports and cultural activities are essential for the upbringing of Pakistan’s soft image, we are promoting Canada’s talent by bringing Canada and Pakistan closer under the patronage of SM Muneer.
