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The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has announced full support for the Businessmen Group (BMG) in the upcoming Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) elections.
KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput made the announcement during a gathering attended by business leaders and candidates contesting the elections.
Rajput said Karachi’s business community faced several common challenges. He called for greater unity among industrial associations, chambers and trade bodies to address those issues.
He also praised the work carried out under the leadership of BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala and KCCI President Rehan Hanif.
The KATI president highlighted the Karachi Chamber’s role in securing the rights of shopkeepers and traders affected by the Gul Plaza tragedy.
Rajput said the business community could address major challenges through mutual understanding and collective efforts.
He proposed a joint Charter of Demands for Karachi’s business community. The plan would bring trade bodies and industrial associations together on a single platform.
Rajput also proposed a strong joint committee to represent business interests before federal, provincial and local governments.
He said Karachi remained Pakistan’s economic lifeline. The city’s industries provide employment and contribute to exports, tax revenues and wider economic activity.
However, he warned that industrial growth would remain difficult without solutions to key business challenges.
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Rajput said government and business representatives must work together instead of relying only on demands.
He also urged KATI members to vote for BMG candidates and support their campaign in the KCCI elections.
KCCI Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya said unity among industrial associations, chambers and trade bodies would strengthen the business community’s voice.
Chhaya recalled the role of late former KATI Patron-in-Chief S.M. Muneer in the establishment of BMG.
He also praised the Karachi Chamber’s efforts to secure compensation for traders affected by accidents in the city’s markets.
According to Chhaya, all seven town associations in Karachi have now reached an unprecedented level of unity.
He said the development would allow business bodies to present their demands more effectively before government institutions.
KATI will also run a campaign in support of BMG during the Karachi Chamber elections.
“The election process is the beauty of democracy and it should continue,” Chhaya said.
BMG Group Chairman Zubair Motiwala thanked KATI for its support.
During his visit, Motiwala recalled the contribution of late S.M. Muneer to Karachi’s business community. He described Muneer as a principled leader who worked for the interests of businesses and industry.
Motiwala urged KATI members to vote for BMG candidates.
He also called for strong participation from the business community in the elections. According to him, a strong mandate would demonstrate the level of support for the Karachi Chamber’s leadership.
Motiwala said cooperation between the Karachi Industrial Forum (KIF) and KCCI could strengthen the business community’s representation.
He added that the private sector must play a greater role in Karachi’s development.
The BMG chairman said KIF would become active again after the elections. He said its first meeting would be held at the Karachi Chamber.
Motiwala also stressed the need to raise Karachi’s economic concerns at government forums.
He said Karachi contributes 68 per cent of government revenue and therefore deserves greater attention to its infrastructure and business challenges.
Motiwala described the support of all seven Karachi associations for BMG as a significant development in the chamber’s election history.
KCCI President Rehan Hanif also praised KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput for his efforts to support economic activity.
Hanif said the capacity of the Korangi industrial area had improved.
He added that the government had allocated Rs9.2 billion for development projects in industrial zones.
KITE Limited Chairman Zahid Saeed and KATI Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed also addressed the gathering.
Several business leaders, former office-bearers and BMG candidates attended the event.
The participants included KATI Vice President Muhammad Talha Ali, KITE Limited CEO Saleem-uz-Zaman, Anjum Nisar, Mian Abrar, Tariq Yousuf and Junaid Makda.
Former KATI chairmen and presidents Sheikh Umer Rehan, Junaid Naqi, Masood Naqi, Johar Qandhari, Sheikh Fazal Jalil and Razzaq Paracha were also present.
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