Karachi trade, industry: KATI president suggests a ‘charter of demands’

Business Recorder reported that Muhammad Ikram Rajput, president of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), has proposed drafting a 'Charter of Demands' through a joint effort by Karachi's traders, manufacturers and industrial groups. He also called for a strong joint committee to speak for industry and traders before all tiers of government and other institutions. Rajput made the proposal while announcing KATI's backing for the Businessmen Group (BMG) in the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry elections.

Rajput called Karachi the economic lifeline of Pakistan, pointing to the city's industries as sources of jobs, exports and tax revenue. He said the sector currently faces several serious challenges, and that sustainable growth would stay difficult until they are resolved. In his view, these problems cannot be solved by demands alone and need cooperation between government and business.

According to KATI, the government has directed the FBR chairman to hold monthly meetings in Karachi on traders' issues, a result of joint work with the Karachi Chamber. The office of PRAL has also been fully moved to the city. The Karachi Chamber president, Rehan Hanif, was praised for helping secure the rights of shopkeepers and traders hit by the Gul Plaza tragedy.