DNA

KARACHI: Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) and Former President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Siraj Kassam Teli has stressed that the survival of entire Pakistan is dependent on the survival of Karachi hence, the implementation of Rs1100 billion package for Karachi has to be intensified otherwise the gigantic task of rebuilding Karachi’s infrastructure will neither be completed in the next three years, not even in five years.

While referring to his appeals and statements given to media since August 4, 2020 when the Federal government stepped in and engaged NDMA and FWO in the cleanup drive of rainwater drains/ canals which was followed by the extraordinary torrential rainfalls in the last week of August, Chairman BMG categorically stated that he stands by all these statements which were not against any individual or party but some elements are twisting his statements and presenting a wrong picture.  The crux of all these statements was to highlight Karachi’s dilapidated infrastructure which has completely ruined during the last 20 years while the recent spell of torrential rainfalls have further worsened and destroyed this city. “It has become inevitable to immediately rebuilt Karachi’s infrastructure otherwise the massive revenue being generated from this city, which is utilized for running the entire country, will start declining if the infrastructure issue is not straightaway addressed. Any delay would not only destroy Karachi but also the economy as the national exchequer would be deprived from the huge revenue of more than 65 percent being generated from Karachi and 95 percent revenue in the provincial kitty”, he added.

He said, “I also demanded that the task to rebuild Karachi has to be outsourced and given to NDMA and FWO under army’s supervision while federal and provincial governments must also fund the infrastructure development of Karachi. Initially, I demanded and then the entire Karachiites also demanded the same that led to the announcement of Rs1100 billion package for Karachi by Prime Minister and Chief Minister and we are thankful to them. Both the governments have provided funds and committees have also been formed but we still have reservations hence, instead of arguing over ‘who did what and how much’, it is very crucial to immediately start implementation of rebuilding Karachi as any delays would eventually give losses and intensify hardships not only for Karachiites but also for all the Pakistanis.”

“This was, this is and this will always be my demand until Karachi’s infrastructure is completely reconstructed. My demand has been supported by overwhelming majority of Karachiites and the business & industrial community. I have no issues even if there are people reluctant to give credit to me for bringing this serious issue to everyone’s notice and appealing to rebuilt Karachi. Nonetheless, my legitimate demand should not be negated which has led both the governments to sit together and come out with this package.

He said that if the task to rebuilt Karachi’s infrastructure is set to be completed in the next three years but the implementation is delayed, the task will neither be completed in three years and not even in five years. “Politics has to be set aside when dealing with Karachi’s infrastructure issue and everyone must seriously focus on initiating development work at the earliest.”

Siraj Teli was of the opinion that the entire infrastructure of Karachi including roads, sewerage lines and rainwater drains/ canals etc. have to be completely revamped and reconstructed while steps must also be taken on top priority to end KE’s monopoly and the industries should get uninterrupted gas supply at adequate gas pressure without any suspension of gas on Sundays that would certainly ensure improved industrial performance and prove prosperous for Pakistan’s economy.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, SEPT  9 – Easypaisa, Pakistan’s flagship digital payments platform has joined hands with NADRA Technologies Limited (NTL) to provide cross-platform services on NADRA e-sahulat networks enabling convenient access to digital financial solutions. Under the partnership, all 12,000 NADRA e-Sahulat centers across the country will now also provide a host of Easypaisa services.

The agreement was signed by Khurram Malik, Head of Easypaisa, Telenor Microfinance Bank and Mr. Ali Javed, Director General, Public Service Directorate, NADRA Technologies Limited. Senior members from both organizations were also present on the occasion.

Easypaisa, the leading digital payments platform with more than 150,000 branchless banking agents across Pakistan is among the frontrunners working towards revolutionizing digital financial services. NTL’s partnership with Easypaisa is testament to the fact that change is being adopted at a national level providing a robust foundation for convenient access to digital financial services throughout the country.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital payments have taken a center stage when it comes to safe and convenient access to financial services. This partnership is another step towards the development of a digital ecosystem that benefits the country as a whole.

Speaking at the occasion, Khurram Malik, Head of Easypaisa, Telenor Microfinance Bank said; “Effective collaborations are the ideal way forward to extend our services in partnership with some of the leading technology-based platforms in the country. Our alliance with NADRA Technologies Ltd. is an avenue for both organizations to make digital payments simple and conveniently accessible for everyone while also improving financial inclusion ratios in the country at the same time.”

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Ali Javed, Director General, Public Service Directorate, NADRA Technologies Limited emphasized on the need of effective collaboration between Government and private sector to further facilitate general public as well as to bring good governess. Focus of NADRA Technologies has always been towards new partnerships and avenues, eventually creating public convenience to access government services and to create jobs in the market. Alliance with Telenor Microfinance bank is also a milestone in supporting Government initiative of National Financial Inclusion.

Easypaisa has evolved significantly as a complete digital payments solution especially in the months following the announcement of lockdowns across the country in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. The service has opened significant avenues for customers to conduct various transactions reliably and safely through a platform which is easily accessible through a smartphone app, USSD codes on feature phones and also through a network of 150,000 agents across Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the country is forced to import costly LPG due to fast depleting natural gas reserves, pushing the circular debt of the gas sector up.

Addressing a seminar titled Sustainability, Security and Affordability of Natural Gas Supply in Pakistan in the capital, he said the country cannot afford imported gas which costs far more than natural gas.

Prime Minister Imran Khan regretted that just 27 per cent of the country’s households have access to piped gas while the rest of the population banks on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, the cost of which is four per cent higher than that of natural gas.

There is a huge difference between prices of imported and domestic gas, he pointed out. He maintained that past governments didn’t undertake long term planning to tackle the energy crisis. The country would not have to face such crises if the right decisions were made 40 years back, he added.

The prime minister Imran Khan said the government is grateful to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for renegotiating the terms of their contracts with the government, vowing to apprise the nation on how much money the government saved as a result of the renewal of the contracts.

He stressed the need for consensus among provinces and the federal government on the issue of gas to steer the country out of energy crisis. He also warned that the country will face a major gas crisis this year.