Latest news with #SaleemMemon
Business Recorder
29-05-2025
- 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
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI says concerned at FBR's ‘excessive' powers
HYDERABAD: President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Saleem Memon, has expressed grave concern over the excessive, unilateral and unbalanced powers granted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through the SRO and Ordinance issued on May 2, 2025. He stated that these amendments, although introduced under the guise of improving tax collection, could in reality open a new chapter of harassment and uncertainty for Pakistan's business community. The changes stand in contradiction to the principles of justice, due process, and economic freedom. Chamber President Saleem Memon pointed out that under the newly inserted Sections 138(3A) and 140(6A) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, if a matter is adjudicated by a higher court, the tax liability will become immediately enforceable. FBR will then have the authority to freeze bank accounts and recover the dues without prior notice or legal proceedings. This is an alarming provision that undermines the constitutional and legal rights of taxpayers, depriving them of the opportunity to defend, appeal, or clarify violating fundamental principles of natural justice. He further highlighted that Section 175C grants FBR or the Chief Commissioner the authority to deploy officers at any business premises, including shops or factories, to monitor the production of goods, services, or stock. This, he stated, is a form of coercion and interference in business operations. The physical presence of tax officers will not only create a hostile environment but will also instil fear and mistrust among entrepreneurs, ultimately disrupting routine commercial activities. Expressing reservations about the amendments to the Federal Excise Act, 2005, Saleem Memon noted that while the criminalization of counterfeit stamps, barcodes, and labels may be justified in principle, it must also be recognized that in many cases, such errors can be unintentional caused by technical glitches, printing issues, or logistical challenges. Such unintended mistakes could easily be misused by officials as grounds for excessive action and harassment. The HCSTSI president also criticized the manner in which these sweeping changes were introduced. He lamented that the amendments were enforced immediately through Ordinance without parliamentary debate, stakeholder consultation, or committee review. This lack of democratic process and transparency is deeply disappointing and detrimental to the trust between the government and the business community. In light of these developments, Muhammad Saleem Memon made a strong appeal to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Federal Minister of Finance, and the Chairman of FBR to immediately review these amendments and establish clear guidelines to restrict the misuse of authority by FBR officials. He proposed the following key measures to restore balance and fairness: A minimum 15-day written notice must be mandatory before freezing any bank account to give the taxpayer an opportunity to clarify or respond. Deployment of tax officers in business premises should be subject to judicial approval to prevent arbitrary actions. An independent grievance redressal cell must be established to address business community complaints in a timely and transparent manner. No new regulations should be implemented without the prior consultation of stakeholders, particularly representatives of small traders and industries. He alarmed that ignoring the legitimate concerns of the business sector will severely erode confidence across the country, damaging not only the economic environment but also the government's own revenue collection targets. He added that instead of burdening existing taxpayers, the government should focus on expanding the tax net to include untaxed segments of the economy. Chamber President concluded by urging the federal government to reconsider these amendments urgently and revive the consultation process with the business community to build a fair, transparent and progressive economic environment in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
04-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI urges to end power outages
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), President Muhammad Saleem Memon, has strongly criticized the non-serious and negligent behaviour of the HESCO Chief, stating that his failure to take corrective measures has caused significant harm to the commercial and industrial sectors of Hyderabad. He stated that the chamber has repeatedly issued official letters and reminders urging HESCO to put an end to the ongoing unannounced power outages in the SITE industrial area, but no serious action has been taken to date. This inaction clearly reflects HESCO's inefficiency and apathy. Saleem Memon further expressed deep regret that despite committing to meet the business community of Hyderabad, HESCO Chief has failed to honour his promises. Instead of engaging with the legitimate representatives of SITE industries, he is reportedly holding discussions with unauthorized individuals who have no legal standing or stake in the industrial zone. This is a highly unprofessional and unacceptable approach, which shows a complete disregard for the actual concerns of the business community and ignorance of the industrial sector's contribution to the economy. HCSTSI President highlighted that both scheduled and unscheduled power outages are occurring during peak business hours in SITE and other parts of the city. This has made it nearly impossible for traders to carry on their businesses, while industrialists are unable to complete their production orders on time, resulting in cancellations and severe blows to exports. He also raised serious concerns about the excessive electricity billing to SITE industries. These bills have crossed all reasonable limits, and regrettably, there is no responsible authority in HESCO willing to justify or clarify the inflated charges. This unjustified overbilling has caused widespread frustration and anger among industrialists and is a matter of grave condemnation. Moreover, due to persistent power outages, civic institutions such as Hyderabad Development Authority, WASA and other government departments are unable to perform routine operations, paralyzing normal urban life. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
31-03-2025
- Express Tribune
People pay extra fares to be home for Eid
As Eid approaches, a large number of out-of-town residents are returning to their hometowns, leading to a surge in passengers on public transport. Taking advantage of the increased demand, transport operators have raised fares, adding to the financial burden of travelers already struggling with inflation. Meanwhile, the District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA) has launched a crackdown on vehicles charging excessive fares. According to DRTA Secretary Saleem Memon, enforcement actions over the past four days have resulted in fines exceeding Rs1.2 million, while more than Rs7.7 million in overcharged fares has been refunded to passengers. Increased passenger load and fare hikes A significant rise in passenger traffic has been observed in Hyderabad, particularly among those returning to other provinces or cities within Sindh for Eid. Similarly, Hyderabad natives working in other cities or provinces are also making their way back home with their families. This has led to overcrowding on public transport, especially on routes between Karachi and Hyderabad, as well as from Hyderabad to Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, and other districts. Taking advantage of this demand, transporters have allegedly raised fares for intercity buses, coaches, and vans. Even rental car services operating between Karachi and Hyderabad are charging higher-than-usual rates, leaving travelers frustrated and forced to pay extra. Ongoing crackdown on overcharging The Sindh government has intensified its crackdown against excessive transport fares, refunding Rs159.97 million to passengers. On the directives of Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, the Transport Department inspected 5,294 vehicles, issuing 3,979 challans for violations. Memon emphasized that arbitrary fare hikes by transporters will not be tolerated, and strict action is being taken against violators without discrimination. The campaign to regulate fares will continue during Eid to protect passengers' rights. He reiterated that legal action is being taken against transporters charging excessive fares, with no exemptions. The government has implemented a strict monitoring strategy to ensure fair pricing and prevent exploitation. Memon directed transport officials to remain vigilant at bus terminals and highways, ensuring that no one exploits passengers financially. He also urged travelers to report any overcharging immediately, reaffirming that the law applies equally to all. In response to passenger complaints, DRTA Hyderabad Region Secretary Saleem Memon, in collaboration with SP Motorway Police Sector-3 Nadeem Ashraf, has been conducting day-and-night operations against transporters charging excessive fares. Acting on the directives of Sindh's Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Secretary of Transport & Mass Transit Department Asad Zaman, Hyderabad Commissioner Bilal Ahmed Memon, and DIG Hyderabad Tariq Dharejo have ordered intensified enforcement. Since March 25, authorities have been inspecting over 805 public transport vehicles traveling from Karachi and Hyderabad to Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Hyderabad alone, fare violators have been fined Rs1.285 million, while Rs. 7.735 million in excess fares has been refunded to passengers. This operation is part of a larger crackdown against fare gouging during the Eid holidays. Strict actions against violators DRTA Secretary Saleem Memon emphasized that strict actions will continue against those exploiting students, laborers, and government and private sector employees. SP Motorway Police Nadeem Ashraf stated that these enforcement efforts will continue throughout the year to protect passengers from fare exploitation. Within Hyderabad, operations are being carried out at Badin Bus Stop and National Highway checkpoints, with traffic police officers actively monitoring fare compliance. Additionally, several transporters who refused to refund overcharged fares have been arrested, after which they admitted their wrongdoing and returned the excess amounts. Saleem Memon further warned that any transporter failing to refund illegal fare hikes will face legal action, including cancellation of their route permits.
