Latest news with #ZubairMotiwala
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
K-IV project: governor says Centre has already released Rs20bn
KARACHI: Governor Sindh Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori has announced that the federal government had already released Rs 20 billion out of the Rs 40 billion requested for Karachi's development, to be executed through elected representatives. He also proposed a meeting at Governor House with Chamber representatives to discuss the K-IV project and explore the possibility of transferring its ownership to the business community for expedited execution. Governor, who graced the closing ceremony of the 20th edition of the iconic 'My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony' Exhibition, organized by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), has praised KCCI for organizing the event in a vibrant and engaging manner. Emphasizing the need for secure infrastructure and access to basic services, he stressed that both federal and provincial governments must work closely to address Karachi's genuine challenges. He urged the business community to collaborate with his office and legislators for shaping strategic industrial and infrastructure development initiatives. Governor Tessori further revealed plans to issue a recommendation letter for a prestigious civil award to Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala in recognition of his unmatched contributions to Karachi's business ecosystem. At the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah lauded the Karachi Chamber for successfully staging the 20th edition of My Karachi Exhibition and reiterated the Sindh Government's firm support for the business community. He announced the launch of Sindh's Independence Day celebrations under the theme 'Maarka-e-Haq'—symbolizing Pakistan's continuing struggle for justice, sovereignty, and unity. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala shared that the 21st My Karachi would also promise greater international participation and enhanced features for visitors. He informed that this year's edition saw participation from 7 consulates and over 20 multinational companies, which showcased a broad range of products and services. 'Exhibitors, visitors and people from different walks of life have been advising KCCI to hold this grand exhibition twice a year which is testament to its growing impact and popularity,' he stated. Appreciating the Sindh government's support, Motiwala emphasized the need for swift resolution of lingering challenges, especially the shortage of water and gas faced by industries, and called for completion of the K-IV project at the earliest. President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani extended heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders and the media for their unwavering support. He congratulated Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, Chairman Special Committee Muhammad Idrees, and KCCI's Managing Committee for organizing a memorable and impactful event. He especially praised the participation of women entrepreneurs and public welfare institutions who were provided subsidized or complimentary stalls. President Bilwani reiterated the urgent need for a modern, provincial-level Expo Center in Karachi and highlighted the city's dire infrastructure woes, including poor roads, drainage, traffic, encroachments, and rising street crime. He stressed on the Safe City Project and improved surveillance to ensure a secure environment conducive to business and investment. He also underlined the imbalance in gas and water distribution, demanding Sindh's due share and questioning the justification behind high water tariffs for Karachi, the country's largest tax-contributing city. From cultural shows, fireworks, and musical performances to economic dialogue and international participation, the 20th My Karachi Exhibition truly lived up to its legacy of being more than just a trade show, it was a celebration of Karachi's soul. It reaffirmed the city's resilience, vibrancy, and critical role in Pakistan's economy. The event not only offered affordable shopping and family entertainment but also served as a platform for strategic dialogue between government, business leaders, and foreign missions. The Karachi Chamber remains committed to further enhancing the scope and stature of My Karachi Exhibition in the years ahead, and to continue serving as the collective voice of the city's business community. The 20th edition of the iconic 'My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony' Exhibition, organized by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), concluded at the Karachi Expo Center with resounding success, celebrating Karachi's entrepreneurial energy, cultural diversity, and untapped economic potential. Over three vibrant days, the Expo Center became a melting pot of commerce, culture, diplomacy, and innovation, attracting nearly 800,000 visitors and showcasing over 350 stalls by local and international exhibitors. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Entrepreneurs, diplomats converge at My Karachi
The 20th edition of "My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony" Exhibition, organised by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), concluded at the Expo Center with overwhelming success, celebrating the city's entrepreneurial spirit, diversity, and economic potential. Held over three days, the exhibition drew nearly 800,000 visitors and featured over 350 stalls from local and international exhibitors. It showcased multinational brands, diplomatic missions, women entrepreneurs, and welfare institutions offering goods at discounted rates ranging between 20% and 50%. The next edition will be held from February 68, 2026, according to a statement released on Monday. Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, at the closing ceremony, commended KCCI's efforts and announced the federal government's release of Rs20 billion for Karachi's development. He proposed a meeting at the Governor House to discuss transferring the K-IV project's execution to the business community to speed up progress. He urged federal and provincial collaboration to address Karachi's challenges and assured the business community of support in future infrastructure and industrial development plans. He also announced a recommendation for a civil award to BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala for his contributions to Karachi's business landscape. At the inauguration, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah praised KCCI and announced the launch of Independence Day celebrations under the theme "Maarka-e-Haq," representing Pakistan's continued struggle for justice and unity. The BMG chairman highlighted that this year's edition saw participation from 7 consulates and over 20 multinationals. He noted growing demand to hold the event biannually and urged early completion of the K-IV water project to resolve industrial supply issues. KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani lauded all stakeholders, reiterated the need for a modern Expo Center, and called for fair water and gas distribution. He also stressed better surveillance and infrastructure to ensure business confidence. The event combined shopping and family entertainment with discussions between government officials, business leaders, and foreign missions on economic and civic issues.
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Advisory bodies of livestock, fisheries dept: Minister urges KCCI to nominate officials for inclusion
KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Muhammad Ali Malkani, has urged the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) to nominate representatives for inclusion in the advisory bodies of the Livestock and Fisheries Department. This initiative, he stated, would enable KCCI to actively participate in policy-making and contribute valuable input toward future planning and development of the sector. During his visit to the Karachi Chamber, the minister highlighted the immense investment potential in the livestock and fisheries sectors, describing them as some of the most promising avenues for rapid returns on investment. 'Livestock is the only sector that guarantees a return on investment within six months, something unmatched by any other industry or business,' he asserted. He invited KCCI members to explore this sector, emphasizing its strategic importance for both economic growth and rural development. Muhammad Ali Malkani stressed the urgent need to shift focus toward aquaculture, particularly as fish stocks in the ocean are rapidly depleting. 'Many businesspeople have already ventured into successful fish and shrimps farming,' he noted. 'We need to expand these efforts and transition toward sustainable aquaculture practices.' Pointing out the tremendous opportunities in poultry, fisheries, and shrimp farming, he cited neighboring India's success in capitalizing on these areas, which has significantly boosted their exports. In contrast, Pakistan's marine and aquaculture exports remain limited to under USD 500 million annually. 'There is vast untapped potential in these sub-sectors, and with the right investments, we can greatly enhance our export capacity,' he said. He further encouraged investors to look beyond short-term ventures such as trading in sacrificial animals, and instead consider long-term investments in meat farming and shrimp cultivation. 'The Sindh government is fully prepared to extend technical assistance and all necessary support to investors in these areas,' he said. 'Such efforts will not only help boost exports but also play a significant role in alleviating poverty in rural regions where farming facilities are established.' Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, who participated in the meeting via Zoom, emphasized the need to prioritize and promote fish farming in Sindh, which holds immense potential for employment generation and boosting fisheries exports. He noted that fish farming offers a high return on investment with relatively less effort, provided that adequate water resources, government support, and financial backing are made available. He pointed out that there are several promising locations in Sindh, including Keti Bunder and other fertile coastal areas, that are ideally suited for establishing fish and shrimp farming facilities. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about the profitability and potential of fish and shrimp farming, particularly as private investment remains heavily concentrated in the textile sector. Highlighting the transformative impact such investment could have on the socio-economic conditions of Sindh's coastal population, he urged greater focus and resources towards aquaculture. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani, describing him as a committed and action-oriented leader who is well-positioned to deliver tangible results. In this regard, he recommended that KCCI maintain close coordination and liaison with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to support and advance this important sector. Senior Vice President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Zia ul Arfeen, while welcoming the minister, underscored the immense yet largely untapped potential of Pakistan's blue economy. He noted that despite possessing a vast coastal belt of over 1,000 kilometers, Pakistan has failed to fully utilise its aquatic resources. Marine exports currently stand at a modest USD 350 million, a figure that pales in comparison to countries like India, China, and Vietnam, which have developed strong, export-oriented marine industries. He emphasised that the livestock sector also holds a vital position in Pakistan's agriculture-driven economy, contributing approximately 14.97 percent to the national GDP. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
04-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Repeal of FBR arrest powers demanded
Listen to article President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Jawed Bilwani and Chairman of the Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala, while strongly criticising the newly enacted Sections 37A and 37B of the Sales Tax Act — which grant sweeping arrest powers to FBR officials — urged the government to immediately repeal these draconian sections. They warned that such excessive overreach not only undermines Pakistan's image as a business-friendly destination but also severely discourages both local and foreign investors from undertaking any investment initiative. Addressing a press conference at KCCI on Thursday, the KCCI president and chairman said that, keeping in view the sheer lack of government interest, the Karachi Chamber initiated large-scale protest campaigns, beginning with the widespread display of banners across Karachi and now escalating with today's high-voltage press conference. The KCCI president stated that several other Chambers of Commerce have already held press conferences on this critical issue, and there is a unanimous consensus that Section 37A is completely incompatible with doing business in Pakistan. The entire business community firmly opposes the law and fervently demands its repeal, and KCCI fully aligns itself with this collective stance. He said that KCCI continues to receive an overwhelming number of complaints and expressions of concern regarding these sections, wherein business owners are repeatedly asking: How can we continue operating under the constant threat of Section 37A, which looms over our dignity like a sword? The KCCI president noted that this law unfairly targets compliant taxpayers rather than addressing the core issues plaguing Pakistan's taxation system. These controversial sections primarily target individuals who are already within the tax net instead of acting only against those involved in fraudulent practices such as issuing fake or flying invoices. He pointed out that the reality is that only 40% of Pakistan's economy is documented, while the remaining 60% operates informally. Among the documented 40%, barely 2% might be involved in such malpractice, whereas 98% of registered taxpayers are fully tax-compliant. Yet, instead of focusing on a few culprits, the entire community of taxpayers will be harassed under the contentious Sections 37A and 37B. Highlighting the failure of enforcement by FBR, Jawed Bilwani stated that whenever FBR has filed cases against taxpayers, the majority of court verdicts have favoured the taxpayers, while a meagre number of decisions were given in favour of FBR's tax collectors. Ironically, it is these FBR officers whose actions have proven baseless in the majority of the cases, yet they are now being given sweeping and unchecked powers under Sections 37A and 37B. In such an environment, Bilwani asked, where should the honest taxpayer turn to for justice? While expressing dissatisfaction over the government's complete disregard for the established consultative process involving the Business Anomaly Committee, Bilwani explained that historically, the Business Anomaly Committee meets before the Finance Bill is passed. Once constituted, meetings are promptly held where members present their concerns and suggestions. These are then reviewed through majority consensus. Meetings are subsequently held with the Member Inland Revenue (Policy) and Member Customs (Policy), and a clean, revised document is forwarded to the FBR chairman. After the chairman's approval, a final meeting of the Anomaly Committee is summoned, which is also attended by the finance minister, chairman FBR and other senior FBR officials to give final touches to the document and approve all the recommendations decided by the Committee Members in consultation with FBR officials. These recommendations are then forwarded for final incorporation into the Finance Bill. This year, Bilwani informed, the standard procedure was completely ignored for the first time. No proper consultation was held, forcing the members of the Business Anomaly Committee to resign and walk out in protest. Despite this, the budget was hastily passed, completely devoid of input from the business community. It is a matter of grave concern that the anomalies identified were mostly ignored, he added.
Business Recorder
04-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sections 37A & 37B: Business community threatens to go on nationwide strike
KARACHI: In a strong show of resistance, the major representative trade bodies of business community including Karachi, Lahore, KPK, and Faisalabad Chambers of Commerce have threatened a nationwide business shutdown in protest against Sections 37A and 37B ofthe Sales Tax Act, if the federal government does not immediately withdraw the controversial laws. Addressing a press conference at KCCI Auditorium on Thursday alongside representatives of dozens of trade bodies, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Jawed Bilwani stated that all chambers across the country are holding consultations on a potential strike and may soon jointly announce a nationwide shutdown of businesses. However, he said that first priority is table talk to resolve this issue. Jawed Bilwani and Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala, while strongly criticizing the newly enacted Sections 37A and 37B of the Sales Tax Act which grant sweeping arrest powers to FBR officials and urged the government to immediately repeal these draconian sections, warning that such excessive overreach not only undermines Pakistan's image as a business-friendly destination but also severely discourages both local and foreign investors from undertaking any investment initiative. 'Keeping in view the sheer lack of government's interest, the Karachi Chamber initiated large-scale protest campaigns, beginning with the widespread display of banners across Karachi and now escalating with today's high-voltage press conference,' President KCCI said. The presser was also attended by Vice Chairmen BMG Anjum Nisar & Mian Abrar Ahmed, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, Presidents of seven industrial town associations, former presidents KCCI, prominent business figures along with KCCI Managing Committee Members and a large number of businessmen and industrialists. President Lahore Chamber Mian Abuzar Shad and President Faisalabad Chamber Rehan Naseem Bahrara also addressed the press conference via Zoom. Bilwani said several other Chambers of Commerce had already held press conferences on this critical issue, and there was a unanimous consensus that Section 37A was completely incompatible with doing business in Pakistan. 'The entire business community firmly opposed to this law and fervently demanded repealing of the same and KCCI fully aligns itself with this collective stance,' he added. He said 'KCCI continues to receive an overwhelming number of complaints and expressions of concern regarding these Sections as they believed that business cannot run under the constant threat of Section 37A.' President KCCI noted that 'this law unfairly targets compliant taxpayers rather than addressing the core issues plaguing Pakistan's taxation system.' 'These controversial sections primarily target all the individuals who are already within the tax net instead of acting against only those involved in fraudulent practices such as issuing fake or flying invoices,' he mentioned. He pointed out that the reality was that 60 percent economy was informal. Among the documented 40 percent, barely 1-2 percent might be involved in such malpractice whereas 98 percent registered taxpayers were fully tax-compliant, yet instead of focusing on a few culprits, the entire community of taxpayers will be harassed under the contentious Section 37A and 37B. Bilwani said whenever FBR had filed cases against taxpayers, majority of the court verdicts have favoured the taxpayers. Ironically, it is these FBR officers whose actions have proven baseless in majority of the cases yet they are now being given sweeping and unchecked powers under Sections 37A and 37B. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
