KARACHI: President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday said that the federal government was well aware of the problems of the people of Sindh, where the unusual spell of rains had affected the infrastructure, besides disturbing the economic, social and business activities.

Speaking during a meeting with Governor Sindh Imran Ismail at Governor House, he said that the package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan for Karachi would prove to be important for the development of the commercial hub of Pakistan.

“It’s a serious effort to develop the city on modern footing,” a statement quoted the president as saying.

The Sindh governor said the prime minister’s recent visit and the special development package for the city had boosted the people’s confidence as no such serious effort had been made in the past for Karachi.

“It shows that the present government realised the importance of Karachi’s role in the country’s economic growth. The package would help resolve the long-standing problems of the city,” he added.

Later, President Alvi also held a meeting with the business leaders and industrialists of Karachi at Governor House and acknowledged their role in the national economy.

“Therefore, all possible steps are being taken for the removal of issues related to business and industry in Karachi,” he said. “With the cooperation of business community, the government would ensure its vision of economic progress. The Karachi package would prove to be vital in addressing issues related to rainfall and other problems being faced by Karachi.”

During the meeting, the statement said, the situation after the recent rainfall, Karachi package and removal of issues faced by business community were also discussed.

“Karachi is an economic hub and the federal government will continue its complete cooperation for its development,” the statement quoted the president as saying.

Governor Ismail said that the federal government was making sincere efforts for the uplift of Karachi as the government was cognizant of the issues confronted by the business community.

“Improvement in Karachi situation would also boost business activities,” he added. “The government is also taking major steps for the development of industrial areas. The Karachi package would ensure transparency and standard at all costs.”

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2020