Latest news with #MuhammadJawedBilwani
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
KCCI praises faceless customs assessment system
KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Jawed Bilwani has said that only those individuals who are engaged in mis-declaration, under-invoicing, or other malpractices have faced difficulties under the new system. For the vast majority of compliant importers and exporters, the FCA has made processes faster, simpler, and more transparent; hence, all types of rumours circulating about the rollback of this system must be fully discouraged.' While strongly praising the performance of the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system and calling for its immediate implementation across the country, Bilwani commended the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Customs for launching the FCA system in Karachi, which he described as a model of effective reform that has brought far-reaching benefits to the business community. The system, which leverages Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to eliminate physical interaction in customs assessment, has drastically curtailed corruption, enhanced transparency, reduced losses on account of demurrage & detention and restored confidence among genuine traders. He noted that the introduction of FCA has significantly improved the efficiency of customs operations by expediting clearance times and simplifying documentation. With reduced dependence on clearing agents and elimination of discretionary powers, businesses now experience faster processing, fewer delays, and greater predictability in their import-export operations. The adoption of self-clearance by a growing number of traders has led to a considerable reduction in their cost of doing business, empowering them to manage their shipments independently through a digital interface. Bilwani emphasised that one of the most commendable achievements of the FCA system is the minimisation, almost complete elimination of physical visits to Customs House. This not only saves valuable time and operational resources but also reduces the opportunities for malpractices historically associated with manual assessment systems. As a result, legitimate businesses are finally operating in a more secure and equitable environment. Highlighting the success of the Karachi rollout, he stressed the need for swift nationwide replication. 'The outstanding results in Karachi clearly demonstrate that Pakistan's trade infrastructure can be modernised when technology is implemented with integrity and vision. There is no reason to delay its expansion to other cities and ports.' He further urged the government and relevant authorities to introduce similar IT and AI-enabled systems in all other departments linked with trade, taxation, and regulatory approvals. By reducing human involvement, he stated, the government can eliminate the root causes of corruption and inefficiency across the board. He also called for full digitisation of the entire trade process, from documentation and submission to assessment, approvals, and final clearance so that the entire ecosystem functions with greater transparency, accountability, and speed. Jawed Bilwani also appreciated the Customs officials in Karachi for their commitment to ensuring the success of the FCA system. He reiterated KCCI's full support for all initiatives that aim to simplify trade, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and foster an environment conducive to fair and transparent business practices. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
KCCI urges PM to release Rs23b power subsidy
Listen to article President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure the release of the long-overdue Rs23 billion relief in electricity bills on incremental consumption. In a statement released on Friday, he called for the inclusion of this relief in the upcoming federal budget for FY2025-26, lamenting that although it was allocated in earlier budgets, it has yet to be disbursed — affecting only Karachi's industrial sector, while the rest of the country has received the benefit. As per the statement, Bilwani wrote a letter to the prime minister, acknowledging the government's steps to support the business community but expressed deep concern over the continued delay in providing the subsidy for the period from July 1, 2021, to October 21, 2023. He noted that Karachi's industries remain under immense financial pressure due to administrative and legal complications. He stated that the total subsidy for the period stands at Rs33 billion, of which Rs23 billion is undisputed and should have already been disbursed. Funds were earmarked in previous budgets — Rs22 billion in FY2021-22, Rs13 billion in FY2022-23, and Rs7 billion in FY2023-24 — but the subsidy has not reached recipients due to procedural delays involving K-Electric. "K-Electric (KE) operated without a stay order for nearly nine months yet failed to pass on the subsidy to consumers," said Bilwani, adding that NEPRA did not enforce compliance, and legal obstacles have dragged the issue. He pointed out that KE's appeals were dismissed by a tribunal in July 2024, but the matter remains stalled due to a stay order from the Islamabad High Court. KCCI has urged immediate verification of the figures by the Power Division and NEPRA, stressing that the verified subsidy should be reflected in the upcoming budget. Crucially, KCCI proposed that the undisputed Rs23 billion be paid directly to industrial consumers instead of routing it through KE to avoid further delays. "This is not just a legal obligation; it is a matter of economic justice and national interest," Bilwani said.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM urged to expedite Rs23bn power bill relief
KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Jawed Bilwani has appealed the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that the long-pending relief of Rs23 billion in the electricity bills on incremental consumption is released without further delay by duly incorporating provision in the forthcoming federal budget for FY 2025–26. Despite being allocated in previous budgets, the relief has yet to be disbursed, causing severe financial stress to the Karachi's industrial sector only as this relief has been provided to the rest of the country. In a formal letter addressed to the Prime Minister, President KCCI acknowledged the government's efforts to address challenges faced by the business community and improve Pakistan's economic landscape. However, he expressed grave concern over the delay in releasing the subsidy for incremental electricity consumption from July 1, 2021, to October 21, 2023, stressing that Karachi's industries continue to bear the brunt of administrative and legal setbacks. He pointed out that the total subsidy amount for the period is Rs33 billion, of which Rs23 billion is undisputed and should have been disbursed. Budgetary allocations were already made in FY 2021-22 (Rs22 billion), FY 2022-23 (Rs13 billion), and FY 2023-24 (Rs7 billion), but the funds have not reached the intended recipients due to procedural and legal delays involving K-Electric. 'K-Electric operated without a stay order for nearly nine months yet failed to pass on the subsidy to consumers,' said Bilwani, pointing to the lack of enforcement by NEPRA and subsequent legal hurdles that have prolonged the crisis. He added that despite the dismissal of KE's appeals by a Tribunal in July 2024, the matter stands stalled due to a stay order granted by the Islamabad High Court. KCCI emphasized the need for immediate verification of the subsidy figures by the Power Division and NEPRA, urging the government to ensure that the verified amount is reflected in the upcoming federal budget. More importantly, KCCI proposed that the undisputed Rs23 billion be released directly to industrial consumers rather than through KE, in order to prevent further delays. 'This is not just a matter of legal obligation; it is a question of economic justice and national interest,' Bilwani stated. 'Ensuring that Karachi's industries receive this long-overdue relief is essential for sustaining industrial operations and maintaining economic stability across Pakistan', he added. Jawed Bilwani hoped that the Prime Minister will intervene swiftly to resolve the issue, restore confidence in government policy, and deliver the much-needed support to Karachi's industrial backbone. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Businessmen voice their unwavering support to govt, armed forces
KARACHI: The entire leadership of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), all seven industrial town associations, sector-specific associations and prominent business leaders expressed complete solidarity and unwavering support for the government and the Armed Forces of Pakistan in the wake of the recent unprovoked and cowardly missile strikes by India targeting civilian areas in Pakistani territory. Addressing at a joint a press conference along with representatives of all seven industrial town associations and several other associations at KCCI on Wednesday, the business leaders said that they condemn the blatant act of aggression carried out by the Indian military, which resulted in the loss of innocent civilian lives, including women and children, and caused damage to mosques, homes, schools, and public infrastructure. These strikes are not only in violation of international law, but also represent a deliberate attempt to destabilize regional peace and provoke Pakistan into a broader conflict, they added. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, Prominent Businessman Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, President Site Association of Industry Ahmed Azeem Alvi, President FB Area Association of Trade & Industry Sheikh Muhammad Tehseen, representative Korangi Association of Trade & Industry Rehan Jawed, Representative Bin Qasim Association of Trade & Industry Naveed Shakoor, former presidents Younus Muhammad Bashir and Junaid Esmail Makda along with KCCI Managing Committee members were also present on the occasion. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala stated that let there be no doubt that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, as our leadership, armed forces, and people have always advocated for dialogue, coexistence, and diplomacy. As representatives of one of Pakistan's largest and most influential business communities, Chairman BMG said that we declare our complete and unwavering support for the armed forces of Pakistan. 'We salute their professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to defending our homeland. Their timely and effective response has not only demonstrated military readiness but has also uplifted the morale of the entire nation,' he added. 'In times of national crisis, unity is our greatest strength. We call upon the business community across Pakistan — from Karachi to Khyber, and from Gwadar to Gilgit — to set aside all differences and stand together for the greater cause of defending our beloved country,' Motiwala stressed, adding that now is not the time for division, it is the time to show the world that Pakistan stands united — one nation, one people, one voice. He said that KCCI has always believed that economic stability is national stability, hence, they have worked tirelessly for decades to build a stronger Pakistan by empowering industry, supporting exports, creating jobs, and contributing to the national exchequer but in times of war or crisis, the entire strength of the business community is devoted first and foremost to national defense. 'If required, we are ready to contribute our resources, networks, and influence to support national preparedness through relief efforts or strategic planning. We assure the government and armed forces that the business community is not only willing but honored to play its part in this patriotic duty,' he added. He also appealed to the entire business community, trade associations, institutions, and industries to stay prepared for any eventuality by quickly adopting the civil defense norms and carrying out exercises for the same. President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani appealed the international community, particularly the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), China, USA, Russia, and European Union, to take immediate and decisive action to de-escalate tensions. 'It is essential that global powers intervene to prevent further loss of life, restore calm to the region, and hold the Indian government accountable for its deliberate targeting of civilian populations, a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions and all international norms of conflict,' he added. He said that Pakistan's armed forces have consistently displayed strategic restraint and responsibility, but they are not to be tested. 'We never initiate aggression, but will always respond to it decisively and with dignity. This is a time for our adversaries to understand that the spirit of Pakistan cannot be broken,' he added. While acknowledging the sacrifices of the martyrs and the steadfastness of our people, Jawed Bilwani said that the resilience shown by families who lost loved ones in these strikes, by soldiers on the front lines, and by citizens living near the Line of Control (LoC) is nothing short of heroic. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
KCCI and RCCI unite to tackle economic challenges
KARACHI: In a powerful show of unity, two of Pakistan's most influential business chambers, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), have joined forces to confront the escalating economic challenges faced by the business community. During a high-level meeting held at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, both chambers not only expressed strong opposition to the controversial Tax Ordinance (Amendment) 2025 but also called for the formation of a national alliance of chambers under Inter-Chambers Harmony Committee to amplify their collective voice and demand urgent pro-business reforms from the government. This consensus was reached during the visit of RCCI delegation to KCCI to strengthen ties and chart a unified path forward. The meeting was attended by Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Senior Vice President KCCI Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President KCCI Faisal Khalil Ahmed, and members of the KCCI Managing Committee. Representing Rawalpindi Chamber were President RCCI Usman Shaukat, Senior Vice President RCCI Qazi Farooq, Vice President RCCI Fahad Barlas, Group Leader RCCI Sohail Altaf, and Executive Committee Members. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, who joined the meeting via Zoom, emphasized that fragmentation among chambers has historically undermined their influence. 'We must raise a unified voice and work collectively to address the widespread challenges the business community is facing', he stressed. Referring to controversial government directives such as SRO709, SRO350, and the Tax Ordinance (Amendment) 2025, Motiwala warned that such policies are creating an environment of harassment and uncertainty. He proposed the formation of an Inter-Chambers Harmony Committee, comprising representatives from all chambers nationwide, to hold regular monthly meetings to deliberate on common economic issues. 'Nearly 80 percent of the budget recommendations from all chambers highlight similar concerns. Instead of submitting them individually, we must consolidate our voices through this committee and forcefully present a unified front to the government,' he suggested. President KCCI Jawed Bilwani, reflecting on his longstanding relationship with RCCI spanning over two decades, echoed the need for unified advocacy. He highlighted critical national economic issues such as soaring interest rates, excessive taxation, rising energy costs, and Pakistan's deteriorating international reputation. "Unless we act in solidarity, these issues will persist and worsen under continued anti-business policies", he warned, citing the Tax Ordinance (Amendment) 2025 as a clear example of such policies. Bilwani also voiced concerns over the economic impact of Pakistan-India tensions, which are raising doubts among foreign buyers about the timely fulfillment of export orders. He underscored the alarming flight of capital driven by regressive tax policies, noting that thousands of businesses have been registered in the UAE in the past year alone. 'The government's claim of creating a digital, faceless FBR contradicts its actions. Empowering FBR officials to enter business premises will only increase harassment and corruption, negating efforts to create a tax-friendly environment', he asserted. RCCI President Usman Shaukat affirmed that the challenges being faced are shared by all chambers, necessitating a collective and strategic response. 'The business community must act together. The government thrives on a divide-and-rule approach; we must break this pattern by collaborating consistently,' he emphasized. He called for a Charter of Economy that includes measures to rebuild investor confidence, reverse capital flight, and encourage the return of skilled professionals. 'Nationalism has to be exhibited to counter despair and negativity with constructive action,' he added. While acknowledging some improvements in economic indicators such as rising remittances, declining inflation, and a recent 1 percent cut in interest rates, Usman Shaukat maintained that the cost of doing business in Pakistan remains unacceptably high due to persistently steep taxes, energy prices, and borrowing costs. 'A united declaration from all chambers rejecting the Tax Ordinance Amendment 2025 is critical. RCCI strongly protests this ordinance, which introduces coercive tactics and reflects a mindset that continues to squeeze existing taxpayers instead of broadening the tax base', he stated. He appreciated the evolving role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), noting that its new focus on domestic investors alongside foreign investment is a welcome development. President RCCI invited KCCI's leadership and Managing Committee to participate in RCCI's flagship All Pakistan Chambers Conference, aimed at in-depth deliberations on national economic issues and future strategies. Group Leader RCCI Sohail Altaf described the meeting as significant, marking the convergence of Pakistan's two oldest and most influential chambers. He lamented that while the problems faced by the business community are well known, they remain unresolved due to disunity and lack of collective pressure on policymakers. 'The business community must set aside minor differences and act as one. Our survival depends on unity, not individual agendas', he remarked. Sohail Altaf insisted that the business community must remain apolitical and demand resolution of issues based solely on merit, both within government structures and apex bodies like the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). 'The future of Pakistan hinges on industrialization, yet this area is being neglected. We've turned Pakistan into a consumer market instead of a producer', he added. To institutionalize cooperation, Sohail Altaf proposed that RCCI and KCCI explore signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to coordinate efforts on shared economic goals. 'If these two major chambers come together, it will inspire others to follow suit. Let's act for the collective interest of the business community,' he concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
