KARACHI, Jan 28 (NNI): Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the trader community to approach him directly instead of telling stories to others.
Speaking at a luncheon hosted in honour of Karachi’s business community, Bilawal acknowledged the challenges faced by traders and expressed his commitment to addressing their issues.
Highlighting the progress made under the PPP-led Sindh government, he said, “The elimination of extortion from Karachi’s business landscape is a credit to the Sindh government and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Today, no one demands extortion money, nor are there threats to your lives. Your factories and industries are running peacefully, and the credit goes to the Pakistan People’s Party.”
He assured the business community of his transparency, stating, “I have never sought donations or extortion from any businessman. If you have any complaints about me or my government, tell me directly. Why would I allow anyone to harass you in my name or under the government’s pretext? Whatever the issue, name the officer or individual involved, and we will take action.”
The party chairman also highlighted the Sindh government’s achievements, particularly in public-private partnerships.
“We take pride in Sindh being the only province where public-private partnerships are operational and globally recognised. These initiatives are not only breaking even but are now generating profits. We aim to continue serving the people of Sindh by collaborating with the private sector,” he concluded.
Bilawal has said that Sindh no longer trusts the federal government’s electricity supply and demanded that power be provided at an affordable rate.
He stressed the need for Sindh to produce its own electricity. PPP Chairman Bilawal declared, “We must generate our own power. Just as Saudi Arabia has oil, we have coal.”
During the event, Faisal Moiz, President of the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry, highlighted Karachi’s economic contributions.
He revealed that the city accounts for 54% of Pakistan’s total exports and contributes 68% of the country’s tax revenue while also providing 95% of the Sindh Revenue Board’s tax collection.
Despite these contributions, he lamented that Karachi’s infrastructure remains in a state of complete disrepair. He further added that the infrastructure of Karachi’s industrial zones is also in ruins. NNI
