Pasban Democratic Party Karachi Chief Organizer, Tariq Chandi Wala, has demanded the immediate establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the current electricity agreements, while also strongly condemning the government’s economic approach and the “incompetence competition” between the governments of Punjab and Sindh.
Mr. Chandi Wala said in a statement today that the administration should adopt business-friendly policies, arguing that high-level travel is not a solution to national problems and that authorities need to make collaborative decisions. He claimed that despite repeated appeals from the business community for favorable policies, the federal government has responded with threats of pressure, indulging in luxuries instead of sustainable solutions. He questioned the imposition of taxes on solar energy, noting that the state is reluctant to even grant minor concessions to small investors.
The Chief Organizer highlighted the severe impact of rising petroleum prices on industrialists, criticizing the government’s apparent lack of basic economic analysis skills. He lamented the “ruthless” neglect of Karachi, emphasizing that the establishment of industries in the city is essential for national development. Mr. Chandi Wala controversially stated that Karachi has been “sacrificed for Dubai’s development” and suggested that those involved in this “crime” should be given “death penalty”.
He further criticized the decision to borrow billions of dollars for the construction of Gwadar Port, instead of developing Karachi’s existing ports, noting that business activity in Gwadar is negligible. Mr. Chandi Wala urged the government to prioritize providing employment opportunities instead of showing free cricket matches, claiming that job creation is the state’s foremost responsibility. He clarified that facilitating traders naturally equates to generating employment and increasing tax collection.
According to Mr. Chandi Wala, the current administration lacks the confidence of policymakers and investors essential for promoting industrial development. He described officials in air-conditioned offices as detached from ground realities, noting that while patriotic songs can evoke emotions, they cannot alleviate hunger. He concluded this point by stating that a government unable to provide essential gas and electricity cannot truly facilitate entrepreneurs.
Addressing inter-provincial dynamics, Mr. Chandi Wala identified an “incompetence competition” between the governments of Punjab and Sindh, emphasizing that Punjab should recognize Karachi’s importance as a port city. He questioned the potential for tourism development without ensuring peace and order nationwide, stating that an unbiased approach could have doubled Pakistan’s GDP by now. He attributed half of Pakistan’s lack of development to “lack of vision”.
The Chief Organizer of Pasban concluded by stating that the country continues to operate in a “colonial style” and highlighted that thirty million skilled Pakistanis are currently providing their services abroad, indicating a significant brain drain.