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Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Business community condemns Indian aggression
The business and industrial community of Karachi has expressed complete solidarity and unwavering support for the government and armed forces of Pakistan following the recent unprovoked and cowardly missile strikes by India targeting civilian areas in Pakistani territory. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and various industrial town associations strongly condemned the blatant act of aggression, which resulted in the loss of innocent civilian lives and damage to public infrastructure. Chairman Business Management Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, but will defend itself with full force when its sovereignty and citizens are attacked. He declared unwavering support for the armed forces, saluting their professionalism and courage. Motiwala called upon the business community to set aside differences and stand together for national defence. President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani appealed to the international community to take immediate action to de-escalate tensions and hold India accountable for targeting civilians. He emphasised that Pakistan's armed forces have shown strategic restraint but will respond decisively to aggression. Bilwani praised the sacrifices of martyrs and the resilience of soldiers, saying that every attack unites Pakistanis further. The business community declared unshakable loyalty to Pakistan's sovereignty, support for the government's policies, and absolute trust in the armed forces' preparedness and professionalism. They rejected Indian aggression and pledged to contribute resources and influence to support national preparedness.
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
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan now gas-surplus amid demand collapse, says Motiwala
Pakistan has transitioned from being a natural gas-deficient country to a surplus one. However, the development has come not because of discoveries, but rather due to skyrocketing prices that have forced industries and households to cut consumption significantly, said prominent industrialist and former Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Zubair Motiwala. Speaking to Business Recorder, Motiwala said the sharp drop in gas demand has resulted in a nationwide surplus, with supply outpacing consumption across both Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) networks. 'We didn't find new reserves. Instead, demand collapsed after gas prices were increased substantially on the recommendation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF),' he said. The price for industrial consumers has surged to Rs4,200 per mmbtu in recent years, making the fuel unaffordable for many businesses, he said. IHC suspends levy on consumption of natural gas/RLNG by CPPs Pakistan's local gas production currently stands slightly above 3,000 mmcfd (million cubic feet per day), while its long-standing import infrastructure allows for an additional 1,200 mmcfd through liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. However, with domestic and industrial demand shrinking, this capacity is being underutilised. Motiwala revealed that industrial consumption for captive power plants from the SSGC network, which was previously around 200–220 mmcfd, has dropped to just 99 mmcfd. Moreover, many industrial units have switched to alternative energy sources such as biomass to cut costs. Sharing an incident, Motiwala said that gas pressure spiked to 15 pounds at one factory in Karachi's SITE area, damaging its boilers. 'This is an unusual occurrence that underscores the depth of reduced demand,' he added. Meanwhile, veteran businessman and stockbroker Arif Habib shared that gas availability is no longer an issue —the pricing is. 'The price gap between locally produced natural gas and imported RLNG has narrowed, pushing industrial tariffs to unsustainable levels,' he said. Motiwala highlighted that the business community has raised these concerns with relevant authorities, including the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), warning that the trend is pushing industries away from natural gas entirely. Despite the surplus, gas utilities continue to impose load-shedding, particularly for households.
Business Recorder
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Concern over precarious water supply in SITE area
KARACHI: Patron-in-Chief Zubair Motiwala, Chief Coordinator Saleem Parekh, President Ahmed Azeem Alvi of SITE Association of Industry and APTPMA Regional Chairman Anwer Aziz have expressed concern over precarious water supply position in SITE area because of less supply of water from KWSC to SITE Ltd through two direct connections and supposed to receive 8 MGD water daily basis. Water supply has been curtailed or being supplied at low pressure as a result of which the industries are compelled to get meagre supply of water through bowsers. The situation has become worst lately because of reduction of subsoil water supply resulting in closure of factories. Due to precarious shortage of water all industries, especially export oriented industries, are suffering huge losses and facing non-fulfilment of export orders due to which the country's reputation is at stake. At this age of intense global competition, the cost of production, which is already higher than regional competitors, has escalated manifold because the industries are procuring water from the tanker mafia. Water shortage has crippled industrial and business activities. An urgent joint meeting of Industrialists of SITE Association of Industry and All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association was held under the Chairmanship of M Zubair Motiwala at SITE Association of Industry. A committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Saleem Parekh to deal with water issues with the Federal and Sindh governments. Prominent among those present in the meeting were Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhary, M Iqbal Arbi, M Karman Arbi, M Iqbal Lakhany, Altaf Shekhani and others. Zubair Motiwala emphasized that water shortage will negatively impact the export target and foreign exchange earnings. He said that Karachi Industrial areas are paying 50% of the country's taxes, but it continues to receive unfair treatment. Anwer Aziz said that 40% of Textile Processing Industries in Pakistan are located in SITE Industrial area and water is the basic raw material of Textile Processing Industries, especially valued added Textiles. Paucity of water will lead to a complete closure of Textile Processing Industries leading to massive unemployment and industrial unrest. He added that the new tariff scenario of reciprocal tariffs will also seriously affect Pakistani textile share in USA due to higher cost. He advised that the 90 days' reprieve by President Trump should give stakeholders and government the opportunity to revisit the deficiencies in supply of continuous water, power and gas. Curtailment of textile production will upset the production and shipment of final products. He urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chief Minister Sindh, and Sindh Minister of Industries to immediately take cognizance of the crisis and depute teams to resolve water issue of SITE Area on urgent basis. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
