Staff ReporterSpeakers at 9th annual summit and awards ceremony called upon companies, people and
academia to come closer for corporate social responsibilities and launch coordinated CSR initiatives
through active participation of the public.The event organized the other day was supported by Karachi
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI),and many companies/entities from different sectors leading
in CSR services.Chairman, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Rear Admiral Jameel Akhtar shared KPT's CSR works
in different sectors mainly upgradation of infrastructure in the city which included construction of roads,
bridges and underpasses for better flow of traffic. More than three billion rupees were spent during
Musharraf government on different mega development projects in the city.KPT continued its CSR work
in various areas especially the old localities like Kemari and Baba Bhit islands where sewerage and
drainage system was not only functional but upgraded along with providing clean drinking water. The
Port body had also planned to repair and upgrade with new gadgets the boats of the old fishing
communities living at Baba Bhit and other islands. It was also running hospitals and schools in less
developed areas of the city, in addition to many other community development projects.He regretted
that Karachi Metropolitan Corporation did not even take responsibility of maintaining the above
mentioned infrastructure projects financed and executed by the Port. Rear Admiral Jameel Akhtar also
spoke of the upgradation and new port facilities and other affiliated facilities. 100-year old jetties
reconstructed and in second phase KPT was going to develop tourist sites/facilities so that Karachiites
could have the best and easily accessible recreation avenues. He expressed his serious concern over
worst polluted sea along the city.This pollution included around 6000 gallons of industrial chemicals and
sewage of the city along with 14000 tones of solid waste covering about 45 Kms wide belt.Consul
General of Japan in Karachi, Toshikazu Isomura said that since long Japanese companies were doing big
CSR work in different sectors in the areas making Pakistan ; even before the division of the sub-
continent. These companies including Pak-Suzuki were had also provided machinery/equipment support
to different universities, vocational training centers and health facilities. Japanese companies were
doing CSR also in rural areas of Sindh, he said adding,"we are partners in development and prosperity of
your country." Director General of Bahrai Unviersity, Admiral (Retd) Mukhtar Ahmed Khan highlighted
CSR activities.
