KARACHI, Sept 12:
Chairman Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) Hasan Bakhshi has urged the business community to collectively decide its future through open discussion rather than accepting decisions imposed by others.
Speaking at a brainstorming conference and PSCTF Excellence Awards ceremony organised by the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation (PSCTF) Sindh and Balochistan Chapter at Karachi Gymkhana on Friday, Mr Bakhshi said the business community should determine whether new administrative units and empowered local governments would serve its interests.
“We are urban Sindhis. If new administrative units and empowered local governments are beneficial for us, it has to be decided by our community,” he said. “We did not take any dictation. It is time to decide our fate.”
He proposed a round-table conference to seek collective wisdom through an open discussion and offered ABAD’s platform for the purpose. “We will invite our youth to decide their future,” he said, adding that only three per cent of the population was enjoying opportunities while the remaining people were dependent on them.
Chief guest and Senior Vice Chairman FPCCI Saquib Fayyaz Magoon appreciated PSCTF Sindh and Balochistan Chapter President Muhammad Shoaib Qadri for recognising high-performing individuals through the Excellence Awards.
Mr Magoon said high energy prices remained a major obstacle to trade competitiveness and sustainable industrial growth. He said Pakistan had paid $5.6 billion in energy costs and $60bn in capacity charges during nine months, stressing the need to enhance energy production to support industrialisation.
He also said sales tax refunds worth Rs83bn would be released within a month, while Rs43bn in pending export rebates and income-tax refunds would also be cleared.
Former TDAP CEO and BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala urged Pakistani businesses to expand their presence in African markets, which he described as largely untapped and offering substantial opportunities.
He recalled that former commerce minister Razak Dawood had promoted the “Look Africa” initiative and said Pakistan could significantly increase its exports to the continent. He also highlighted the potential of the blue economy, saying it could generate up to $100bn.
PSCTF President Syed Moizuddin announced support for the BMG in the forthcoming Karachi Chamber elections.
The ceremony recognised individuals for contributions to business, trade, healthcare, education, public service, social welfare, technology and economic development.
Among the guests and award recipients were KCCI President Rehan Hanif, former FIA additional director general Ammar Jafri, former UBG president Ahmed Chinoy, Dr Naeem-uz-Zafar, Dr Zahid Ansari, NED University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr M. Tufail, Sir Syed University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Afzal Haq, Zubair Tufail, Hanif Gohar and others.
Representatives and stakeholders from SADC countries also attended the event.
PSCTF Sindh President Muhammad Shoaib Qadri said the awards were aimed at recognising outstanding contributions and promoting stronger trade and investment links between Pakistan and SADC countries.
Founder of the SADC Trade Federation Rafiue Memon, in a video message, said Pakistani entrepreneurs, particularly members of the Memon community, had established a strong presence in African markets and contributed to strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and African countries.
