Governor Sindh Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori called on businessmen and industrialists to devise long-term economic plans and policies to drive sustainable economic development. Speaking as the chief guest at the Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI), Tessori emphasized the need for the private sector to propose 20-year strategies aimed at boosting exports, industrial production, and regional trade with neighboring and friendly countries.
Tessori highlighted the urgency of addressing the current socio-economic challenges, stressing that the future of the next generation depends on the actions taken today. He underscored the importance of resolving immediate issues while simultaneously focusing on long-term economic planning.
The Governor pointed out that the country faces numerous industrial challenges that must be resolved with definitive solutions to achieve economic development. Beyond financial stability, he noted the necessity of ensuring national security and implementing an empowered and effective local governance system to address public concerns related to infrastructure and essential utilities. Tessori assured the audience that he would bring the industrialists’ concerns to the attention of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. FBATI President Syed Raza Hussain expressed concerns over the multiple challenges facing industries in Karachi, warning that these issues could lead to closures. He pointed out the recent surge in electricity prices, with the Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA) being disproportionately high for Karachi consumers compared to other cities.
The unresolved incremental benefit of Rs. 33 billion, due to a dispute between the power utility and regulator, has yet to be passed on to Karachi’s industries, he added, stressing that this subsidy would offer significant relief. Hussain also highlighted the water scarcity in various industrial zones, exacerbated by the provincial government’s taxes on subsoil water, which have further driven up production costs.