Sindh Governor assures action on Karachi industrial issues as NKATI flags security and infrastructure concerns

Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi on Saturday assured industrialists of government support in addressing key operational challenges faced by Karachi’s industrial sector during a meeting with a delegation of the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI).

The delegation, led by NKATI President Faisal Moez Khan, met the governor at the Governor House and outlined a series of issues affecting industrial activity in North Karachi, including security concerns, infrastructure gaps and utility shortages.

Industrialists said several business owners had received extortion and ransom slips, which they described as a serious security concern creating fear within the business community and affecting normal industrial operations.

They also highlighted persistent water shortages, sewerage issues, and deteriorating infrastructure, along with delays in key development projects impacting industrial productivity.

A major concern raised was the delayed execution of the Combined Effluent Treatment Plant, which the delegation said was essential for environmental compliance and sustainable industrial operations in the area.

NKATI representatives further urged resolution of outstanding issues related to the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and proposed the establishment of a dedicated Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) industrial zone to encourage investment and job creation.

Governor Hashmi said the government fully recognized the role of industrialists in strengthening exports and supporting economic growth, adding that facilitation of the business community remained a priority.

He said the federal government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was pursuing policies aimed at promoting industrial growth and easing business constraints.

The governor also noted that under the Karachi Package, funds had been allocated for improving infrastructure in industrial areas, including roads, drainage systems and other civic facilities.