Latest news with #HCSTSI
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI-Hyderabad Police's liaison termed vital for peace
HYDERABAD: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Hyderabad, Adeel Hussain Chandio has said the guidance and recommendations of the business community not only help the police but also enable other provincial institutions to improve their functioning in an effective manner. He remarked that 'Hyderabad is the face of Sindh and resolving the issues of the public and traders has always remained among the top priorities of the police.' Speaking on the concerns raised by President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI) Saleem Memon, through a formal memorandum, SSP highlighted that the Safe City Project is a comprehensive and major initiative, and a detailed survey in this regard has already been completed. He added that the Madadgar-15 office is operational in Latifabad, while the Talash mobile application is also functional in Hyderabad and urged the business community to make active use of it. Acknowledging the shortage of police personnel in Hyderabad, SSP stated that despite limited manpower, the department is making earnest efforts to curb criminal activities. He further informed that over 550 new personnel have recently been recruited, and efforts are underway to have them join by June. 'Out of these, more than 150 officers will be trained for the Rapid Response Force (RRF).' He emphasized the importance of public awareness about the PECA law, designed to curb misuse of social media, and also urged parents to play a proactive role alongside police to help control one-wheeling incidents. He appreciated the Chamber's proposal for more driving licence branches and assured that he would take up the matter with the IGP Sindh. Referring to the increasing number of beggars in the city, he said that many of them are not genuinely needy and appropriate action would be initiated. SSP Adeel Chandio welcomed the idea of introducing a Community Policing System and a Crowd Management Unit, assuring that steps would soon be taken in that direction. He reaffirmed the strong liaison between HCSTSI and the Hyderabad Police, which he said is vital for maintaining peace and improving law enforcement. Earlier, HCSTSI President Saleem Memon, while addressing the session, appreciated SSP Chandio's strict measures against narcotics and recommended organizing open courts for public redressal. He highlighted that during the tenure of former SSP Sajid Sadozai, the police force was increased to 800, which was later raised to 1,600 by SSP Farrukh Lanjar and has now reached 2,000. However, further increase is necessary to meet growing challenges. He noted that over 550 personnel are deployed for VIP security alone. He emphasized that five out of the 28 police stations operate out of properties owned by other departments and must be transferred under police ownership. Issues surrounding the police property at Al-Rahim Shopping Centre should also be permanently resolved. Furthermore, he demanded the establishment of driving licence branches in Latifabad and the main city, and suggested the media cell be supervised by a CSS officer. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI President welcomes development decisions of HDA
HYDERABAD: President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Saleem Memon, has welcomed the major development decisions taken during the recent 120th Governing Body meeting of the Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA), commending the leadership of Sindh Minister for Local Government, Saeed Ghani, HCSTSI President appreciated the swift approvals of development projects and financial allocations for Gulistan-e-Sarmast and other residential schemes, calling them a reflection of the Sindh Government's serious commitment to improving the urban infrastructure of Hyderabad. In a formal letter addressed to the Minister, the Chamber President Saleem Memon acknowledged the positive steps taken so far but emphasized the need for further practical and sustainable measures to ensure long-term benefits of these decisions. He strongly recommended that at least 70% of the revenue generated from Gulistan-e-Sarmast and other ongoing HDA schemes must be reinvested directly into their respective areas to promote self-sufficiency and continuous development. He highlighted the urgent necessity for establishing a dedicated grid station for Gulistan-e-Sarmast, in line with NEPRA policies, to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. He also called for the immediate completion of the long-pending 36-inch water supply line, which has been delayed since 2009. Emphasis was laid on expediting internal road construction, drainage systems, and provision of water and electricity lines particularly in neglected sectors such as Kohsar Extension that have been deprived of basic amenities for decades. HCSTSI President further urged the launch of new schemes under the Annual Development Program (ADP) for water filtration and sewerage treatment plants in severely underserved areas, including Gulistan-e-Sarmast, Kohsar Zone, Bypass, and New Hyderabad City. He stressed need for complete revision of existing zoning strategies, proposing that each designated residential or commercial zone must be equipped with all basic utilities within a defined timeframe to prevent land misuse and speculation. He asserted this, would encourage legal occupancy and promote healthy commercial activity. Chamber President called on HDA to prioritize the completion of infrastructure work in pending schemes and to organize well-planned plot auctions thereafter. This would not only enhance the Authority's revenue but also help regain the lost market value of land. Expressing concern over the diminishing public trust in HDA due to years of neglect and unfulfilled commitments, he urged the Authority to take immediate and visible actions to restore public confidence through reliable service delivery. He also suggested outsourcing key development works to ensure quality and timely execution. Most significantly, HCSTSI President made a strong case for the inclusion of Hyderabad's business community especially representation from HCSTSI in the Governing Body meetings of HDA. He emphasized that direct participation would allow the ground realities, public grievances, and trade-related concerns to be effectively presented at the policy level, leading to more practical and people-centric urban planning. Concluding his remarks, he expressed hope that under the leadership of Saeed Ghani, the Local Government Department will continue to play a pivotal role in making Hyderabad's development more transparent, effective, and citizen-focused. He added that if the Chamber's recommendations are adopted in the next Governing Body meeting, Hyderabad will progress rapidly towards becoming a well-planned and modern city. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI, RDF organize two-day ‘Bachat Bazaar'
HYDERABAD: Under the directive of Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI) President, Muhammad Saleem Memon, HCSTSI in collaboration with the Regional Development Foundation (RDF), organized a two-day "Bachat Bazaar" at the Expo Centre, Hyderabad. The event was formally inaugurated by the Senior Vice President, Ahmed Idrees Chohan, Former Senator Aajiz Dhamrah and Faisal Jabbar Khan were also present at the occasion. While addressing the opening ceremony, Ahmed Idrees Chohan, appreciated RDF's Associate Director in Hyderabad Arshad Ali, Head of Programs Niaz Ahmed Siyal and especially Project Manager Aftab Soomro for their welfare initiatives. He remarked that in these times of high inflation, such discount bazaars are blessing for the public. He emphasized that providing essential commodities such as flour, lentils, sugar, rice, oil, vegetables, fruits, clothing and other household necessities at affordable prices is a practical step toward public relief. He appealed to the Sindh government to take permanent steps to support this noble cause by allocating a designated space in Hyderabad for a permanent discount bazaar to help citizens combat rising prices. The Chamber assured its full cooperation for all such initiatives. He further urged the public to take full advantage of the two-day event by purchasing quality goods at discounted rates. Former Senator Aajiz Dhamrah and Faisal Jabbar Khan, in a joint statement, expressed full support from the Sindh government for such public-friendly initiatives aimed at controlling inflation and providing relief to the common man. They also assured full cooperation with the business community and welfare organizations. Speaking on the occasion, RDF's Associate Director Arshad Ali and Project Manager Aftab Soomro shared that the bazaar featured stalls offering food items, vegetables, fruits, traditional cuisines, clothes and various household goods. They expressed immense satisfaction over the public's positive response, noting that the people of Hyderabad highly appreciate such markets. They also thanked all participating organizations for their support in setting up stalls. Sarwan Baloch, an expert in economic development and value chains from Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) a German-funded NGO also addressed the gathering. He stated that WHH is actively working on integrated projects focused on food security, employment and essential needs for underprivileged and vulnerable communities. He announced that 20 more discount bazaars would soon be organized across Sindh, including Hyderabad. Notable attendees included former MPA Nadeem Siddiqui, TDAP Hyderabad In-charge Salahuddin Abbasi, Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam, Suhail Qureshi, Asghar Khilji, Sanawwar Qureshi, Sikandar Ali Rajput, Ayub Shaikh, Idrees Memon, Ahmed Hussain Shaikh, Muhammad Yaseen Khilji, Irfan Arbiani, Kishor Kumar Bhatia, Irfan Memon and others. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI President spells out ‘core' reason behind narrow tax base
HYDERABAD: President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Saleem Memon, has said in a statement that the core reason behind Pakistan's narrow tax net and limited number of taxpayers is the lack of public and business community's trust in the government's utilization of tax revenues. He emphasized that unless people are assured of transparent and effective use of their paid taxes, there can be no significant improvement in voluntary tax compliance. He highlighted that despite billions of rupees being collected in taxes annually by various departments, the public and business sectors continue to suffer from a lack of basic civic amenities. Roads remain in poor condition, hospitals and schools are dilapidated, and municipal services are constantly declining. He pointed out that numerous reports, including those from the Auditor General of Pakistan, have consistently revealed massive financial irregularities and mismanagement in public funds, but no meaningful accountability has been ensured. HCSTSI President stressed that it is impossible to strengthen the tax system without restoring the confidence of the business community. Currently, traders feel that they are being forcefully taxed, yet their issues remain unresolved. He urged the federal and provincial governments to publish detailed annual expenditure reports alongside tax collection data, so that citizens can clearly see how and where their money is being spent. He said that if the government ensures the transparent use of public money, it would not only boost the confidence of current taxpayers but also motivate non-taxpayers to become part of the formal economy. He noted that Pakistan's tax-to-GDP ratio is lower than other regional countries such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which reflects the public's deep mistrust in how tax revenues are managed. Drawing comparisons with developed nations, Memon stated that one of the key reasons behind their success is the public's trust in their tax systems. For instance, in Canada, each taxpayer receives an annual breakdown of where their taxes were spent. In Norway, citizens have access to detailed expenditures of any public project. South Korea's 'Taxpayer Bill of Rights' gives people full awareness and holds the government accountable. As a result, people in these countries willingly and confidently pay taxes. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI pays tributes to Armed Forces
HYDERABAD: President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Saleem Memon, has paid rich tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces, especially the courageous and highly professional pilots of the Pakistan Air Force, for their exceptional response during the recent escalation with India. Their swift and precise action not only safeguarded the nation but also earned global recognition for Pakistan's military excellence and aerial supremacy. He reiterated that war has never been Pakistan's first choice. As members of the business community, we have always advocated for peace, regional stability and mutually respectful relations with neighbouring countries, for it is only in such an environment that trade, growth, and prosperity can flourish. However, when aggression is imposed upon us, Pakistan reserves every right to respond decisively. Referring to the recent conflict, he noted that India used the April 22nd incident in Occupied Kashmir as a pretext to launch 'Operation Sandoor' on May 7th, targeting various regions within Pakistan. But by the grace of Almighty Allah and the iron-willed resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces, Pakistan launched 'Operation Bunyan al-Marsis' in response neutralizing enemy Rafale jets, drones, and missile systems, and sending a clear message to the world: underestimating Pakistan is a grave miscalculation. HCSTSI President also extended his appreciation to Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and the military leadership for their resolute and visionary strategy, which compelled India to seek a ceasefire through global intermediaries. The leadership's message was clear: Pakistan stands for peace, but with dignity and honour. He emphasized that the recent developments have highlighted the importance of not only a robust defense but also a stable economy and technological advancement for national resilience. 'This is the time for national renewal and commitment. Just as we stood united with our armed forces, we must now unite for the progress, self-reliance, and economic development of our beloved nation, setting aside all political and social differences,' he said. President paid heartfelt tribute to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistan's nuclear program, stating that the country's strategic capability under his leadership remains the strongest pillar of our national defense today. He further added that Pakistan's traders and industrialists have a vested interest in peace and stability, as these are essential for employment, investment, and national revenue. However, whenever the country faces threats, the business community stands firmly behind the Armed Forces like a frontline unit. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
