Karachi, July 8, 2019: This statement was given by Muhammad Mian Soomro, Federal Minister for Privatization during a meeting with the prominent businessmen of Karachi city arranged by Abdul Rahim Janoo, Ex-Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) at his residence.
Janoo said that after the federal budget 2019, the business community is quite desperate, therefore he requests Mian Soomro to have a meeting with the business community to give them an audience for their issues. He also invited Soomro to give time for meeting with REAP’s Members which he accepted. Janoo recalled him that the business community of Karachi had extended their endeavours in Annual Elections for the success of Pakistan Tehreek Insaf (PTI) and Hon.
Prime Minister of Pakistan committed to take against corrupt politicians and return back every single penny. But now it seems that the Government has opened many fronts and not coping with every issue properly. Janoo also requested him to appraise the business community about the future economic plans of the government to address the grievances of businessmen. Janoo also apprised him about the social welfare services of Haji Razzak Janoo Welfare Trust which is Pakistan’s largest family trust and have been organizing Free Laser Eye camps since last 30 years.
He invited Soomro to inaugurate next Eye camps at Pak Pattan to boost the morale of doctors and volunteers, which he also accepted. Janoo suggested to hold such an interactive meeting of businessmen with Soomro on quarterly OR after two months regularly to solve the problems of the business community.
Safder Mehkri, Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) apprised him the deteriorated condition of Pipri godowns under the administration of Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and suggested to give these to rice exporters and this place can be converted a Rice zone which will definitely give a huge revenue to the government. He added that after the Budget REAP is the single Association which have not issued any protest statements against the government. We understand that this is the difficult phase and with the consultation of the business community, matters will be resolved in a befitted manner.
He said that it looks that FBR is willing to impose their Finance Bill on a quick basis which is not possible. Instead, FBR should implement their reforms in a gradual manner and sufficient time is given to the business community.
Muhammad Mian Soomro in his presidential address said that being the representative of Karachi city, he will communicate all the grievances of the business community to the concerned ministries and will extend his fullest cooperation to resolve the issues.
During the question-answer session, Muslim Muhammadi, Vice President FPCCI informed that exports of fisheries are banned in Europe, USA and Saudi Arabia for the last many years. He requested him to look into the matter to resolve it at the earliest. Soomro assured his full cooperation to take the notice.
Yahya Polani, Chairman Polani’s Group apprised him about the welfare services being done by Haji Masood Parekh that many Orphan Houses and school for Special Children are run by his Welfare trust. He shows his concern that these welfare trusts are being harassed by FBR officials by sending unjustified notices to many welfare trusts.
Soomro endorsed his views that no doubt these trusts are serving to the deprived humanity. He suggested organizing a meeting of office-bearers of these welfare trust with the officials of the Ministry of Finance and FBR to resolve their issues on a priority basis.
Anis Majeed, Patron in Chief of Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association (KWGA) drew his attention to the problems of small traders. Particularly the 17 percent sales tax and the condition of collecting CNIC on all purchases and registration of buyers. He was lamented the FBR wants to do everything overnight, which is not possible.
He requested government to do these reforms on step-by-step and gradually, as these task are not impossible and can be done if proper procedure can be adopted and business must be give proper time to formalize things. He added that exemption in the limit of income tax suddenly revised from 1.2 million to 4 Lacs which is not justified and it should be at least 7-8 lacs.
In the end, Sindhi Topi & Ajrak were presented to Muhammad Mian Soomro and refreshment was arranged for all the guests.
