KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has advised industrialists to distance themselves from politics and pay attention towards industrial development.

“You should leave politics to politicians and focus on industrial uplift,” he said while addressing as the chief guest at the annual dinner of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (Kati) here on Wednesday.

Mr Shah had been criticising certain businessmen of Punjab, who held a gathering and called upon authorities to create new provinces in the country to improve governance.

Addressing the Kati gathering, the chief minister said that development schemes funded by Kati were already underway in Korangi Industrial Area to improve roads, drainage and other essential facilities.

CM pledges support to Korangi Association of Trade and Industry in improving infrastructure at the industrial zone

He urged industrialists to move beyond raw material exports and focus on value-added products, improve branding and manufacture products meeting global standards.

He said: “Industrial growth requires more than land. It requires roads, water, drainage systems, electricity, gas, transport facilities, law and order, policy continuity and government support. Providing these facilities is our responsibility.”

Highlighting Karachi’s central role in the national economy, the chief minister said the city remained Pakistan’s economic engine, home to industries, ports, trade, exports and investment. “A factory is not merely a building; it is the source of income for hundreds of families. Around every industry revolve suppliers, transporters, workers, banks and countless small businesses,” he said.

“If Karachi is strong, Sindh will be strong. And if Sindh is strong, Pakistan will be strong,” he remarked.

Stressing partnership between government and industry, he said: “You invest; we provide infrastructure. You create jobs; we facilitate business. You increase exports; we strive to improve the business environment. Pakistan’s progress depends on this partnership.”

The chief minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting industry, improving infrastructure in industrial zones, promoting exports and creating a business-friendly environment.

Thanking Kati’s leadership, the chief minister described the association as the industrial voice of Karachi and a key partner in Pakistan’s economic development. “This is not merely a dinner invitation; it is a reflection of the enduring relationship between the government and the business community. I consider myself your partner and an ally in Sindh’s economic progress,” he said.

Mr Shah paid tribute to late business leader S.M. Muneer, describing him as a ‘visionary industrialist’ and a powerful voice of the business community who played a significant role in strengthening relations between government and the private sector.

He also praised S.M. Tanveer and Zubair Chhaya for carrying forward the legacy of business leadership. He congratulated newly elected office-bearers Sheikh Umar Rehan, Syed Farrukh Ali Qandhari and Nasir Sheikh and commended outgoing President Mohammad Ikram Rajput and his team for highlighting concerns of industrialists.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2026