KARACHI, March 9: Businessmen and exporters have termed the government's plan of moving the annual Expo Event from Karachi on security concerns "as a conspiracy against the city and Sindh."

The event should be held in the city and the government instead of giving reasons of logistic issues and security considerations should find a way in improving its arrangements instead of putting the blame elsewhere.

Addressing the press conference, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Khalid Firoz along with prominent exporters and other trade associations said that such a step would lead to a feeling of alienation among city's businessmen over the myopic and mindless policies pursued in Islamabad against Karachi.

He reminded that President Musharraf in his inaugural speech at the Expo Pakistan 2005 said that the event would be an annual event for Karachi and would give the city a much needed uplift.

He said that such an event gives a boost to business activity and confidence in Karachi and its shifting to other destination would give wrong signals to business and investment circles within and outside the country.

Site Association of Industry Chairman Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig also condemned the government's move saying that the event was an opportunity for businessmen to exhibit their products to international buyers.

Kiryana merchants and other small and medium sized businessmen were also vocal in their opposition to any move to shift out a main event from Karachi. Representatives of Korangi Association and North Karachi Association also spoke on the occasion.