Sino-Pak Strategic Alliance: A Committed Avatar

Majyd Aziz

“Pakistan and China have a relationship that is deeper than the ocean and higher than the Himalayas” is the favorite mantra of Pakistan’s leaders. Pakistan and China do have a very special relationship that has transcended many events and has weathered many a storm. There has been a generous outlook towards each other, in economic, political, cultural, and social fields. Pakistanis consider themselves much closer to the Chinese people then to any other nationality. China is regarded as a Big Brother, and Chinese delegations and dignitaries are received with open arms and with respect. At the same time, it is also worthwhile to mention that Chinese products, equipment and material are available aplenty in this country. 

China and Pakistan have, over the past many decades, embarked upon a strategic relationship that is all-encompassing and is a manifestation of the importance that Beijing accords to Islamabad.  The accent has been on diplomatic, military, and economic cooperation. Both the countries have realized that a congruous disposition is essential despite certain reservations that have cropped up in the last decade or so. The influx of Islamic radicalism in China has been a matter of consternation for China and there have been times when Pakistani leaders have had to hear strong worded disapprovals even on official state visits to Beijing.

Whenever there is a state visit by Presidents or Prime Ministers to each other’s countries, the ritual of signing of MOUs and agreements is an integral part of the official itinerary. This ritual is hyped up through the media and it is generally pronounced that this ritual is really the game changer that would further consolidate and strengthen the bilateral relationship. However, the process goes to pot and the euphoria is busted when there is no follow-up or when the MOUs or agreements are half-baked or not feasible. This has been the stumbling block in the solid foundation of a focused Sino-Pak industrial and infrastructure base.

There has been this highlighted propaganda by all and sundry that Gwadar Port and Thar Coal are the two saviors of Pakistan and that the full development of these projects would put Pakistan is the comity of developed nations. Actions have exposed the fact that it is easier said than done. Pakistani decision makers committed a cardinal sin when their obduracy and inflexibility negatively impacted on the total commitment of Shenhua Group, a state-owned mining and energy company in China that is the largest coal-producing company in the world. The after-effects of that monumental indecision put Pakistan’s Thar Coal project behind by more than a decade. Fortunately, better sense prevailed and China was requested to build and develop the Gwadar Port. On the military front, the JD-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft is testimony to technical and sensitive collaboration between the two nations. Over 100 planes have been produced from this project that cost in excess of $500 million.

During the recent visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China in July, it was announced with the usual fanfare that the two governments will focus on mega projects that would include establishing a Pakistan China Economic Corridor, an ambitious but visionary project costing over $ 18 billion for building a series of 200 km tunnels, that would bring about the fundamental changes that are imperative in future Sino-Pak trade regime. Eight cooperative agreements and MOUs were inked. Meanwhile, the first and foremost decision implemented was that the formal handing over of management and operation of Gwadar Port to China was agreed and implemented. This has reinforced the claims of those that are gung-ho about massive Chinese investment and financing of mega projects that have been planned and conceived. The prime emphasis is on energy as well as physical infrastructure projects that include the Gadani Power Park, where ten coal-based power plants with a combined capacity of over 6000 mw are planned. The Karachi underground train, the Karachi-Lahore segment of the Motorway network, the rehabilitation of the Karakoram Highway, and the desire to participate once again in Thar are some of the aspects of the new thinking.

The Pakistan-China Economic Corridor may turn out to be the sheet-anchor if properly, timely and determinedly financed and executed as this would open new vistas besides enhancing the influence of China in many ways. This should make Gwadar viable, this should enable a favorable logistics scenario for minerals from Balochistan as well as KPK and Afghanistan, and this should provide Pakistan with substantial revenue in transit fees and taxes. Moreover, the tunnels would substantially cut down travel time in transporting goods and products. An added charm would be the setting up of industries and businesses along the route of the Corridor. The rationale behind all this is the concept of Aid for Trade since this project would undoubtedly boost Pakistan’s economic base in many areas.

There is a large potential for more Chinese investment in other relevant sectors. China has her eyes on the mineral wealth of Afghanistan and has already entered into multitude of agreements to develop, finance, and extract the minerals there. At the same time, China has become a major buyer of Pakistani minerals and the demand is growing rapidly. Unfortunately, the government is paying more attention to textile and leather exports rather than minerals and other non-traditional items that have a formidable market in China and would also boost the export figures. It is imperative that these sectors be supported and promoted heavily in China.

The future bodes well for the success of the Sino-Pak strategic alliance. Bilateral trade, excluding under-invoicing, smuggling, and mis-declaration, has crossed the $ 13 billion mark and would surely cross $ 15 billion in 2014 as desired by the leadership of the two countries. The Free Trade Agreement is gradually becoming beneficial to all.  Meanwhile, Chinese cultural programs, language courses, and technology transfer have become common and acceptable. Ban Zong You Yi Wang Tsui (Long Live Pakistan-China Friendship.

Indo-Pak Trade: Fragility amid Hostility

Majyd Aziz

Tuesday, August 6, 2013 was not expected to be any special day for the troops or village folk living on the western side of the 740 km Line of Control (LoC) that divides Kashmir. Most of them were observing Ramadan, the month of fasting and special prayers, when clashes flared up due to firing from both the nuclear neighbors. Who fired the first shot and what provoked the firing remains a moot point as the usual accusations and counter-accusations from state players were made and the blame game commenced. The tense environment was further vitiated when the hawkish minority on both sides further aggravated the situation. The brouhaha created by retired uniformed personnel, who are termed ‘defense analysts’ and by the Indian media anchors reached a crescendo and it seemed that they would prevail and goad the weak New Delhi government to go whole hog and give the troops the fighting order.

There are, however, doves on both sides of the border too who, in realizing the imperative need to co-exist, urged restraint and reason since a continued series of violations and provocations would jeopardize the easing of tensions, the movement of people, and more importantly, the liberalization of trade and investment. The skirmishes have not ended completely since indiscriminate and unprovoked firing on forward posts along LoC occurs on a daily basis and the collateral damage has become a matter of serious concern.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh were singing a pleasant duet even before the former took oath of office. A new Track II initiative was agreed with Islamabad nominating veteran diplomat Shahrayar Khan while Premier Singh sent his trusted man, the former High Commissioner to Pakistan, S K Lambah. Saner elements in India and Pakistan are cautiously optimistic that the meeting of the two Prime Ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September would proceed as planned and there is this hope that the meeting would be a game changer in a real time mode.

The above narrative is a reflection of the blow hot, blow cold relationship as far as trade and industry is concerned. Whenever the businessmen are able to lobby successfully with both governments to ease up on restrictions, the anti-bilateral elements ensure that the progressive movement slows down to a snail’s speed. Ironically, the informal trade, whether through cross-border, or through third-country, or through personal baggage, continues unhindered, increases exponentially, and becomes more profitable. While documented bilateral trade is US$ 2.35 billion, Indian exports around $ 1.85 billion while Pakistan has managed to cross the $ 500 million threshold, the informal trade is estimated between $ 3 billion to $ 4 billion. Thus, the vested interests cannot afford at any cost to upset the apple cart. It is a sad commentary for SAARC that border tensions and hostilities on LoC affect the overall regional cumulative integration that is crucial for the economic deliverance of the denizens inhabiting in this dynamic region. 

 The concerned Ministers and officials tell the business community that they envisage bilateral trade of $ 15 billion by end 2015 and that they are sanguine that the potential for Pakistani goods is atleast $ 5 billion. That is easier said than done. Notwithstanding these optimistic forecasts, the fact is that words need to be sincerely put into action. Pakistan and India have to determine the route and their leaders have a choice, either move on a positive or progressive path or continue to maintain their vulnerability to jingoistic outbursts of the hardliners and the vested interests.  Both countries are at this moment in the throes of an economic crisis. The deterioration in the value of their currency, the hardships faced by the burgeoning population, the economic fall-out on their industries and business establishments, their ever-increasing budgetary allocations for their defence requirements, and the perennial energy and other infrastructure shortages, etc, demand that efforts should be focused on regional cooperation for setting up a development agenda that is inclusive and sustainable. The present imperatives should be common policies that are welfare-oriented rather than militaristic-focused, the emphasis should be directed towards food security and cooperation in agriculture, the planning should be initiated to tackle the energy poverty and energy deficits, there should be a synergistic approach towards reduction of risks whenever and wherever natural disasters affect the region, and concerted efforts and decisions must be undertaken to streamline regional connectivity, liberalize regional mobility of workers, allow regional access of vehicles to transit, and be in agreement on a futuristic approach to take advantage of the youth bulge, the demographic dividend that would be the game changer for the region if pragmatically and properly  harnessed in the years to come. 

Recently, the World Bank issued a 293-page document, “Pakistan the Transformative Path” that lists twelve most urgent transformational reforms required to be taken by the Nawaz Sharif government. The World Bank insists that despite the tensions and other complexities that are affecting the normalization process, it is incumbent upon both the democratic governments to complete the liberalization and normalization of the trade and investment process. The report also stated that “Conservative estimates suggest that bilateral trade flows could multiply at least three times, and most observers agree that the growth-enhancing dynamics that this process would unleash would be even more significant for foreign direct investment (especially information technology and manufacturing), services (including financial and tourism), integrated value chains in manufacturing, and power projects.”

 

Pakistan and India must embark upon a new generation of a thinking process. The people’s aspirations must become more vociferous in calling for a paradigm shift towards social, economic, and regional stability. The social benefits of economic progress must benefit the people and must trickle down to the region’s population. The governments must endeavor to create the environment that promotes trade and investment. It is time to remove most of the Non-Tariff Trade Barriers, it is time to leverage the private sector’s knowhow, capital, entrepreneurship, and efficiency to drive the region’s economic growth, and it is time to dilute the nexus of belligerent hardliners that includes retired and redundant defence analysts, unscrupulous advocates and facilitators of undocumented trade, extremist nationalists, bigoted politico-religious parties and organizations, and confrontational media anchors, etc. 

This year when the United States celebrates the 50^th Anniversary of the iconic “I have a dream” speech of Rev Martin Luther King, Jr, his words take on a significant meaning when echoed in the Pakistan-India context: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

The Day Quaid Led A Procession To Our House

MAJYD AZIZ

Bantva is a small town in Kathiawar, India, the birthplace of many a prominent Memon personality. This town has produced the largest number of millionaires and eminent persons. Sattar Edhi, the social worker par excellence, Abdul Razzak Dawood, a former Federal Commerce & Industries Minister, Kassim Parekh, past Governor of State Bank of Pakistan, Haji Hanif Tayyab, a former Federal Labor Minister, Ahmed Dawood, the epitome of Pakistany entrepreneurs, Ilyas Shakir, a noted journalist and Editor of Quomi Akhbar, Kassam Dada, the most well-known Pakistany Rotarian, Arif Habib, alongwith five other ex-Chairmen of Karachi Stock Exchange, and so many others were all born in Bantva.

January 24, 1940 was a red-letter day in the history of this town. It was on that day that Bantva's Muslim denizens festooned the place with buntings and flags to welcome Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who was making his first ever trip to this village. 25 gateways were set up all over the place, and on his arrival, he was greeted with a 21-gun salute. The grand old man of Bantva and the paterfamilias of the Dada family, Seth Hussein Kassam Dada, very graciously offered his bungalow at his farm for the comfort and convenience of the undisputed leader of the Indian Muslims.

The Memon community organized a sumptuous lunch where the high and mighty of the Bantva Memons plus representatives of various princely states were invited. A public meeting was arranged in the evening at the Madrasa-e-Islamia where the Quaid addressed the gathering in Urdu. He made a clarion call for donations to the "Press Fund" so that an independent newspaper for the Muslims could be published. The next day witnessed an interesting situation that was very much appreciated by the Quaid. The Memon community was in full swing with each person coming up on the dais and announcing his own contribution to the fund. Jinnah was overwhelmed at this show of altruism and frequently commended the Bantva Memons for their generosity.

After sometime, the Quaid inquired in somewhat a lighter mood whether all the Memons had made their pledges. He was informed that one stalwart of the community had not attended any of the programs and the reason being that he was not feeling well and seldom left his house. Inspite of being a blind person, he did business worth millions. In fact, he managed more than forty branches all over India and regularly communicated with the resident managers by telegram and mail from his house-cum-office and ruled over his business empire from that place. His name was Muhammad Haji Gani, and he was my paternal great-grand father.

Seth Haji Adam Haji Peermuhammad, the business tycoon and father-in-law of Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood, suggested to Mr. Jinnah that he should visit Muhammad Seth at his abode. The Quaid remained quiet for a few moments and then in a serious tone remarked that "In my life, I have never gone to anyone uninvited, not even the Viceroy." He then stood up, walked over to his car, and announced that he would like to visit the Balagamwala (our family name) residence. There was a big roar of approval from the crowd present there. Lo and behold, a procession commenced. The Quaid was in the lead car and one by one people followed in their cars, in their horse-drawn buggies, or by racing alongside. After arriving at the house, the Quaid and others waited in the verandah while Haji Adam went inside. Muhammad Seth was sleeping soundly and no one had given him advance information that the Quaid was on his way to the house.

The Quaid witnessed a scene that could only happen in a Memon house. He saw Adam waking his friend by shouting, "Look Muhammad, a great man like Jinnah is waiting for you in your verandah." The other friend woke up in a startled manner and tried to sit on his bed. Adam sat on the floor holding Muhammad's feet and said, "Muhammad, announce your donation for the Press Fund." Muhammad replied, "Adam, don’t sit on the floor holding my legs. Get up on the bed." Adam remarked, "Muhammad, you are a noble man and this is my privilege to sit on the floor." The Quaid watched with amusement the animated conversation and the simple style of two of India's business tycoons and started laughing in a loud voice. He was soon joined by a rapturous laughter from all those present there.

Muhammad invited the Quaid to his office and while announcing his generous donation stated that one of his dreams that of meeting the Great Leader has been fulfilled. The Quaid talked in English while Muhammad replied in Memoni. The interpretation was done by Seth Suleman Diwan, a Memon businessman. The Quaid also stated that the contribution of the Memon community for the cause of the Mussalmans of India would be enshrined for generations to come. Muhammad could not see the Quaid thru his eyes, but his heart proclaimed vociferously that with Jinnah as the leader, a separate land for the Muslims would soon be a reality. After Independence, like millions of Indian Muslims, Muhammad Haji Gani, alongwith his extended family, left everything in India and migrated to Karachi to live and to establish business as patriotic and proud citizens of Pakistan.

110 minutes with the Premier

Majyd Aziz

Preamble:

On the night of September 02, 2013, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Haroon Agar, informed me at the Indonesian National Day Reception that I should reach the Sindh Governor House the next day at 6:30 pm for a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. It was late in the night when I informed a couple of people that my business meeting with them had to be rescheduled. Early Tuesday morning, I got a phone call from the Governor House “inviting” me to the meeting. An hour later the Sindh Protocol Department person called and “invited” me to the meeting. Short while later, I received a text message from the Protocol person “reminding” me of the meeting. In the afternoon, a DIG Police called “inviting” me to the meeting. I have been to countless such meetings with Presidents, Prime Ministers and Governors but this was for the first time, I received so many calls and reminders. 

There were about 80 some businessmen and industrialists at the meeting. The Prime Minister entered the hall at 7:05 pm with the Governor and Chief Minister. Also with him were Federal Finance, Interior and Information Ministers. Also present were Commerce Secretary, FBR Chairman, BOI Chairman, Sindh Chief Secretary, Sindh IG Police, and Commissioner Karachi. Former President KCCI, Saeed Shafiq recited from the Holy Quran.

Prime Minister’s Remarks:

Welcoming the trade and industry representatives, Premier Sharif, at the outset, stated that he had called the meeting for two reasons. The first was the law and order situation and, secondly, to talk about the economy. He said that his objective was peace in Karachi and this could be addressed through sincere commitment, an avowed passion, and hard work. He said that eliminating terrorism and extremism is on top of his agenda too.

He added that although the Governor is from MQM and the Chief Minister is from PPP, the fact is that where economy, law and order, and terrorism situations are concerned, there would be no politics involved and everyone would be on the same page. Both the Governor and Chief Minister “have to be with me in this process” he said. Moreover, he said, “I respect the mandate of various political parties. The election is over and inspite of negative advertisements by all, I have no regrets of all attacks against me and my party.”

Talking about relations with India, he said that he desired that all issues should be discussed and resolved at the negotiating table. Mentioning Hamid Karzai, the Premier said Karzai extended his stay in Pakistan by one day which is proof of the seriousness of discussions they had. 

He further added that he does not have a smile on his face because Pakistanis were facing a myriad of problems and since most of the population was not smiling, he also could not force himself to smile.

The Premier then talked about the initiatives he is undertaking, such as the Gadani Energy Park, the Coal Jetty, and other projects to enhance the capacity of electricity. He advocated out-of-box solutions rather than the conventional steps taken in the past. He informed that the government has announced up-front rates for all power projects so that time is not wasted in determining the tariff.

He disclosed that he met the political parties before this meeting and there was consensus that the time has come to catch the raging bull by its horns to bring peace and make this Karachi the City of Lights once again. He said that various modalities are being contemplated, such as wide-ranging powers to Rangers, the effective role of Police, and ensuring a concerted plan to have coordination among all law enforcing agencies. He empathically stated that no compromises would be made and there would be no discriminatory action against any one. He said that the Chief Minister is already taking the necessary action. He, however, cautioned that this would not be an overnight success program as the matter is very complex and would take time to achieve the desired objectives. He did add that this would not be a one-time limited action but it would be a continuous and concerted action plan of a longer period. 

Interaction by Participants:

The Prime Minister than invited the audience to present their views on the law and order situation as well as on the economy. Zubair Malik, President of FPCCI, commenced the interactive session. He started off by demanding the installation of independent Governor and Chief Minister because the root cause is the political affiliation of the two top provincial positions. It was a bold statement to make considering the fact that both the Governor and Chief Minister were present in the meeting. He strongly asserted that unless hard and tough steps and decisions were not put into actual action, Karachi would continue to burn and the situation would continue to deteriorate.

Former FPCCI President S M Muneer lamented that criminals are casually freed by the courts and thus this gives impetus to others to undertake criminal activities without any fear. He said that exemplary punishment should be given to criminals. He also criticized top bureaucrats for not responding on time to emails, letters and calls. He said 95% of these officials do not answer properly. He demanded that personal email addresses of all top officials should be provided and they should be bound to respond on a fast track.

Former President of KCCI and Former Sindh Caretaker Minister Haroon Farooki said that since the last one decade, Karachi is inundated with flags and banners of various parties. Ministers, Advisors and other politicians openly display party flags on vehicles which reflects their loyalty to party not to the country. Even the graffiti on the walls written by workers of various parties create terror and hatred among citizens. Then there are so-called No Go Areas where each party has its own jurisdiction. These attitudes of political parties must end if there is to be some sanity in the city.

Business leader and Former President of KCCI, Siraj Kassam Teli, said that even among political parties there are factions and groups each with their own agendas. He said that now as well as in the past, senior Federal Ministers would come and give us assurances and promises to resolve contentious issues but not a single decision was implemented as decided. He advised the Premier to order all cell phone services providers to stop the system of pre-paid SIMs openly available in the market and instead order the service providers to send SIMs to the users through courier or registered mail. This would drastically reduce the threatening calls and ensuing crimes. He said extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and other criminal activities are big-money ventures and that is why all efforts to curb these have failed. He assured Mr Sharif that if other political parties are hesitant in supporting him, the business community would go all out with their support for his decisions.

Khalid Tawab, Former Vice President FPCCI and Former Sindh Caretaker Minister lauded the services of the Governor who was very supportive and helped the business community. He proposed localization of Police personnel and demanded severe action against Taliban in Karachi.

President KCCI Haroon Agar said there is no writ of the state in this City. Moreover, a politicized Police force is subservient to political parties and their godfathers rather than to the people and the state. He proposed the setting up of a dedicated force to assist KCCI members on a daily basis against various threats received from criminals and activists of political parties or groups. He also apprised the Premier about the anti-business ramifications of various SROs such as 98, 154, 165, 505 etc. He requested Mr Sharif to direct Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to meet KCCI members soon so that all pressing economic matters could be deliberated and discussed.

Former Chairman Export Promotion Bureau, Wajid Jawad, said that the orders of the Supreme Court that all political parties must dissolve their militant wings have not been implemented. He advised the political parties to publicly disown their militant wings and refrain from a blatant display of arms.

Former President KCCI and Chairman Sindh Board of Investment, Zubair Motiwala, said that he has undertaken many road shows in foreign countries to attract investment but the main concern of foreign investors has always been the security of their property and people. He said that some of the SROs, such as 505, are draconian in scope and local as well as foreign investors will think twice before investing. He said that the introduction of the new Wealth Tax and allowing FBR to access bank accounts has already lead to flight of capital and transfer of money from bank accounts to bank lockers and other non-banking places. The downward scenario in bank deposits is testimony to this new scenario. He then went on to talk about what Sindh government is doing for Thar Coal.

Former President KCCI and presently MNA, Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh said that banks are not opening or accepting Letters of Credit when businessmen want to do trade with Iran. He advised the Prime Minister to revisit this situation and ensure that official business is allowed to be conducted through formal banking channels.

Gulzar Firoz Vice President FPCCI said that there is no proper chain of command in the Sindh Police. He also deplored the display of arms by political parties, religious organizations, and the various security guards all over the city.

Atiq Mir who represents the small traders vehemently condemned the inaction of law enforcing agencies and political parties in ending the menace of extortion and kidnapping for ransom. He too said that all promises, pledges, and assurances made by Ministers in the past have been nothing but hot air and no implementation of the orders was ever done. He said that Karachi businessmen and small traders are ready to pay 1% extra tax if provided security against criminals. He said one cause of crimes in Karachi is due to the tension, distrust, and fighting between PPP and MQM. 

Haroon Chand who represents the city’s jewelers informed that there are daily attacks on jewel shops in various parts of the city. He said that associations of many markets have an agreement with extortionists of political parties and are regularly paying  a fixed amount of extortion money to them because law enforcing agencies are reluctant to help maintain law and order in the markets.

In a very forceful, strong and convincing manner, Jameel Yousuf, Former Chief CPLC, advocated the removal of the powers vested in the President of Pakistan to decide on mercy petition of those who were on Death Row after courts had ordered them to be executed for their crimes. The process of execution must be carried out. He said that neutrality and even-handed approach must be adopted when taking action in Karachi. He proposed that a Public Safety Commission consisting of independent, sincere, and knowledgeable members of civil society should be established immediately to oversee the law and order situation. He said that generally business community does not have the spine to face the threats of criminals. The PSB would monitor and ensure that targets given to law-enforcers are achieved. He deplored the system of Police recruitment and termed it an unmitigated disaster. He also suggested that the Joint Investigation Teams that are lying dormant should be revived as these would enable the attainment of convictions that civil courts are reluctant to order.

Capt Asif Masood, representing the truckers and long-haulage operators, informed that not a day goes by when trucks carrying containers are not hijacked in SITE or on the Northern By-Pass, especially between Karachi and Jam Shoro and that this is done with impunity. He said Mauripur Road and Lyari are hotbeds of crime and corruption. He advised the Premier to also go for short-term solutions rather than concentrating only on long-term answers to law and order problems.

Former Chairman Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, Masood Naqi, complimented role of the Governor. He said that citizens are living their existence under stress and tension. He raised a concern about the intentions of the federal government and said that there is a perception that keep Karachi in turmoil and Punjab at peace and thus induce industries and businesses to shift to Punjab.

Chairman Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, Zubair Chhayya, also praised the Governor and informed that factories in Korangi are gradually closing down as it has become very difficult to operate factories when management is unable to visit their own units.

Majyd Aziz, Former President KCCI, when asked by the Prime Minister to speak, said that he received a call from Kimihide Ando, the Japanese and first foreign President of Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who requested him to convey to Mr Sharif that Japanese and other foreign investors who used to term infrastructure shortages as the number one negative issue and later termed corruption as the main issue in the past five years, are now saying that the worsening of the law and order is their primary concern.

Majyd Aziz further informed the Prime Minister that security has become a major money-making venture, He said there are more units providing bullet-proofing of vehicles than probably in any other city or country. He said there is such a huge demand for uniformed security guards that the security guards providing agencies are now recruiting ill-trained civilians because there are not enough retired army personnel available. Moreover, most of the areas have become secured enclaves while barriers have been erected at all entry points. It has become a horrendous task trying to enter different areas. The presence of armed guards, para-military forces, and other law-enforcers are, in effect, sending a wrong message to those who land at the airports and travel towards city.

Majyd Aziz assured the Prime Minister that despite all roadblocks, handicaps, and criminal activities, there are many domestic investors who still prefer to invest and do business in Karachi. The positive message must come from the government as soon as possible so that the stakeholders continue business activities.

Former President KCCI, Anjum Nisar, Chairman Federal ‘B’ Area Association of Trade and Industry, Hafiz Shamsi, Patron Bin Qasim Association of Trade and Industry, Mian M Ahmed, Chairman Karachi Wholesalers Group, Anis Majeed also presented their views. Javed Arsalan Khan, representing small traders also presented anecdotal evidence of the open threats and activities of criminals supported by various political parties. Another leader of small traders, Ilyas Memon, loudly complained about the menace of the extortion racket and deemed it a curse on the city. One of them reminded the Premier that the symbol of PML-N is the Tiger and it is incumbent upon him to take tiger-like decisions. Another said that the government must consider trade and industry as the main stakeholders. Someone mentioned that Karachi should have a non-political Administrator like in FATA. It was mentioned that food shortages could result in other parts of Pakistan if containers are hijacked during movement.

Concluding the session, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif assured the audience that they would see the decisions of his government in action very shortly as he is chairing the Federal Cabinet meeting in Karachi to demonstrate the seriousness of the Karachi imbroglio.