IT is unfortunate that the Karachi business community could not develop a leader who could be regarded as a leader of national or international stature. Entrepreneurs need to communicate with people all around the world for the purpose of imports or exports, and with the passage of time they gain sufficient skills to deal with the international business community.

Unfortunately whenever leaders of the business community of Karachi talk to higher authorities or the media, they do not raise their thinking level beyond their home town. Instead of presenting ideas for Pakistan, the same old mantra that ‘Karachi generates 60 per cent revenue’ is repeated, as stated by the leaders of Karachi Chamber of Commerce during their meeting with the prime minister in Karachi recently. This shows their level of thinking and limited knowledge.

They give an impression that only original Karachiites are paying taxes, though every entrepreneur is contributing to the government’s kitty.

It is true that Karachi has a sea port but what would be the utility and earning of the port if Faisalabad’s textile is not traded through the port, Sialkot’s surgical and sports goods, Gujranwala’s electrical goods, Wazirabad’s stainless steel, Balochistan’s fruits and minerals, or KP’s dry fruits and minerals are not traded, besides goods of many other smaller cities.

Every city and every sector of the country is contributing its share towards generating revenue for the government and playing its due role in the nation’s progress.

I, therefore, very sincerely suggest these local leaders should come out from their shell and talk about Pakistan and take the business community leaders of other cities along and develop plans for redressal of joint problems instead of repeating the same 60 per cent contribution again and again.

Have Sialkot, Wazirabad, Gujranwala and other cities ever boasted or quoted about their specific specialties despite lesser privileges, whereas being the largest city Karachi has more facilities in every sector, including education.

I sincerely advise the leader of the Karachi business community to work for the redressal of problems of the local business community and avoid using the Karachi trump card. Karachi is there because of Pakistan. We are Pakistani first, so one should refrain from talking of 60 per cent contribution.

ZOHAIB AHMED Karachi