KARACHI: Governor of Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori on Saturday underscored Pakistan’s firm stance on national security, the centrality of Karachi to the national economy, and the urgent need to resolve the city’s longstanding civic and economic challenges.
Commenting on recent terrorism incidents in Islamabad and Balochistan, the governor said that Pakistan would respond to aggression with the same resolve it had demonstrated in the past, making it clear that the nation would not be intimidated.
Speaking at the My Karachi Exhibition, he observed that the international community was increasingly aware of India-sponsored terrorism operating from Afghanistan and targeting Pakistan, stressing that hostile designs would never succeed against a resilient nation.
Turning to Karachi, Tessori described the city as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, noting that it contributes approximately 54 per cent of national exports and nearly 67 per cent of total tax revenues. He stressed that a city bearing such a disproportionate share of the national economic burden must be fully included in the country’s development agenda. “This city has given everything to the country,” he said, adding that Karachi’s deteriorating roads, prolonged electricity outages, water and gas shortages affecting citizens and industry alike, and recurring industrial fires were silent but powerful reminders that the city’s dues must be repaid.
The governor praised the Sindh government and the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) for their coordinated and transparent efforts in addressing the Gul Plaza fire incident, noting with satisfaction that compensation payments to the affected traders had already begun. He assured that concrete steps were being taken to ensure that such tragedies do not recur and revealed that he had also held discussions with the Mayor of Karachi, who shares the same commitment to improving the city’s conditions.
Tessori said he believed in speaking plainly and acting decisively. He expressed happiness over development progress in Lahore, while simultaneously stressing that Karachi’s case must be addressed with the same seriousness and urgency. He reaffirmed his willingness to go to any length, even to “bow, if required”, to secure Karachi’s rights and future.
On the economic front, the governor pointed out that Pakistan’s IMF-related challenges were not created overnight and therefore could not be resolved instantly, but assured that improvement was inevitable. He referred to structural reforms, including the placement of a serving general in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), as part of a broader strategy to stabilise and revive the economy. He said that following the successful defence of national interests, the country’s leadership was now fully engaged in what he termed the “battle for economic revival”.
Addressing regional and global developments, Tessori said Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement, particularly improving relations with the United States and the arrival of foreign leaders, was a testament to the country’s rising international standing, something that clearly unsettled hostile elements. He warned that attacks on innocent civilians were unacceptable and reiterated that Pakistan should not be underestimated, emphasising that both the nation and its leadership were capable of giving a decisive response if challenged.
Reaffirming his support for the business community, the Governor invited traders and industrialists to directly convey their problems to him, assuring them of practical solutions. In a strong message against extortion, he declared that any trader receiving a ‘bhatta’ demand should bring it to him directly, vowing to confront the menace head-on.
The governor reiterated his unwavering commitment to Karachi, stating that he would continue to play his role in restoring the city to its rightful place as the economic, cultural, and commercial heart of Pakistan.
On the occasion, Chairperson of the Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, while appreciating Tessori for his regular visits to the My Karachi Exhibition, stated that the exhibition was organised to project the true, positive image of Karachi as a peaceful, business-friendly and vibrant metropolis. He said the event aimed to dispel long-standing misconceptions about the city by highlighting its economic strength, cultural diversity, and commercial potential. He added that the exhibition was also providing attractive discounts to visitors, enabling them to purchase quality products at affordable rates ahead of the holy month of Ramazan.
Commenting on the relief activities for the Gul Plaza fire affectees, Motiwala informed that the process was progressing smoothly. He said that the first phase — finalisation of the list of affectees — had been completed, while assessment committees had been constituted to evaluate and finalise the compensation claims submitted by the affectees.
Strongly condemning the recent terrorism incidents in Islamabad and Balochistan, the BMG chairperson stated that such cowardly acts would neither intimidate the business community nor weaken the resolve of the nation. He emphasised that Pakistan remained resilient and united in the face of such challenges and prayed that Almighty Allah may protect the country from all forms of terrorism and violence.
Vice Chairman BMG Jawed Bilwani also lauded the governor for his proactive and hands-on role in addressing issues faced by both the general public and the business community. Highlighting several pro-public and pro-business initiatives undertaken by the governor, he described Tessori as one of the finest governors Sindh had witnessed, setting an exemplary benchmark for others to follow.
President KCCI Rehan Hanif, in his remarks, thanked the governor of Sindh for consistently prioritising KCCI’s events and for his swift response to the problems faced by the business community. He noted that being a businessman himself, Governor Tessori had a deep understanding of commercial challenges and had always extended full support to traders and industrialists, particularly during difficult times, as clearly demonstrated during the Gul Plaza fire incident.
Rehan Hanif further requested the governor to personally look into the progress of the K-IV water supply project, stressing its critical importance for Karachi’s future. He also urged consideration of upgrading the M-9 into a proper motorway on par with those in Punjab, observing that in its current condition, the M-9 could hardly be termed a motorway and functioned more like a highway.
Chairperson of the Special Committee for the My Karachi Exhibition Muhammad Idrees highlighted the remarkable journey and sustained success of the exhibition since its inception in 2004, noting that it had grown into one of the country’s most prominent platforms for promoting trade, culture and a positive image of Karachi.
