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back to top During the period under review, which
has been extended by the Ministry of Commerce by three
months in view of the scrutiny of the
applications of Trade Bodies for validation of Licenses
under newly framed Trade Organizations Rules - 2007 dated
7th June, 2007, the Chamber has been active under the
dynamic, experienced and far-sighted leadership of its
President Mr. Yakoob H. Karim and as many as nine
meetings of the Executive Committee were held till November,
2007. The overall performance of the Chamber can be judged
and ascertained by going through the President's Review and
the Report of Activities of the Chamber.
The major issues besides restructuring of the Chamber under
newly promulgated Trade Organizations Ordinance 2007 and the
Rules framed thereunder, that came under consideration of
the President and the Executive Committee were of both macro
and micro economic nature that are being confronted by the
Business Community at Lasbela District. The Chamber's main
contention has been that all policies at macro and micro
level should be framed that should contribute to the
acceleration of investment, revival of sick industries,
facilitation of industrial
production, improvement of infrastructure facilities, Law
and order situation and to raise the living standards of the
people.
Keeping in view the above objectives, the Chamber emphasized
upon the work to improve the liaison with CBR, and other
Federal and Provincial Government Departments, LIEDA, City
and District Governments etc. aimed at improving the working
conditions for the commercial and industrial activities and
capacity building of the industrial management and workers
in Lasbela District.
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Following is a brief of the activities of the Chamber:
All the Chambers and Trade Associations in the country
have been governed by the Trade Organizations Ordinance -
1961 and the rules framed thereunder. The Ordinance however
was repealed and new Trade Organizations Ordinance - 2006
was promulgated on 30th December, 2006 having provisions to
monitor the activities of trade organizations keeping in
view the requirements of present economic scenario.
Consequently new Trade Organizations Rules -2007 were framed
by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan under
the Ordinance on 7th June, 2007 and the Chambers were
directed to apply for
revalidation of their licenses, which were issued under the
repealed Ordinance. Before submission of applications, the
Chambers and Associations were required to fulfill certain
conditions including the expansion of membership leading to
their re-structuring under the new rules.
Before finally notifying the Rules, the Ministry of Commerce
invited the proposals for amendment in the Draft Rules from
the Trade Bodies. The Executive Committee of the Chamber in
its meeting held on 30th March, 2007 proposed some
amendments in the draft rules including the ex-officio
membership of the outgoing President in the Executive
Committee, rationalization of membership conditions,
election schedule etc. The Ministry of Commerce has been
very kind and accommodative to accept some of our proposals
and incorporate the same in the finally notified Rules. The
Executive Committee also constituted a New Membership
Committee under the
convenership of Dr. Muhammad Aslam to monitor the new
membership drive of the Chamber.
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In order to fulfill these conditions many Chambers and
Associations hired the legal and management consultants, but
in our case, the Chamber's Secretary and his staff
themselves under the guidance of the President, Mr. Yakoob
Karim, Senior Vice President Dr. Muhammad Aslam and other
senior members, worked on this project, which included the
commercial and industrial survey of whole Lasbela District
to expand the membership,
alternation of Memorandum and Articles of Association of the
Chamber as required under the rules keeping in view the
relevant provisions of Companies Ordinance - 1984,
preparation of Plan of Activities and financial feasibility
statement of the chamber, duly audited by the Chamber's
Auditors, getting performance certificate from the Company
Registrar, SECP, Quetta etc.
The Secretary also attended a Seminar organized by the
Ministry of Commerce in June 2007 in order to discuss the
new Ordinance and Rules in detail, which also provided the
necessary knowledge to prepare the application for
revalidation of License in addition to many meetings of
Trade Bodies under the auspices of the Federation of
Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
The application for re-validation of License after
fulfilling all the conditions and completing the formalities
has been submitted with the Ministry of Commerce in time and
is under process with the Ministry. The Chamber will start
functioning under the provisions of its amended Memorandum &
Articles of Association after revalidation of its License.
Till then it is working under the old Memorandum & Articles
on interim basis.
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On the invitation of the Chief Minister of Balochistan,
Mr. Jam Mohammad Yousuf, a delegation of the Chamber led by
its President Mr. Yakoob Karim and consisting of Dr.
Muhammad Aslam and Mr. Tariq Rafi, met with him on 11th
June, 2007 at Hub. The Chief Secretary of Balochistan Mr.
K.B. Rind was also present. The delegation discussed the
following points with Chief Minster.
The President, Mr.Yakoob Karim invited the attention of the
Chief Minister towards the recent Bomb Blast in Hub City
causing damages to the innocent people and suggested to take
protective measures to improve the Law & Order situation at
Hub particular in the Hub Town. The Chief Minister after
consultation with M.D., LIEDA and senior police officers,
decided to install the Closed Circuit Camera at appropriate
places from where the whole market area and the main RCD
Highway may be monitored, in order to check the terrorist
activities. Mr.Yakoob Karim while thanking him on this
decision informed that the industries have also been asked
to install such cameras on their main gates, so that the
whole industrial area may also be under surveillance.
Besides the above, Mr. Yakoob Karim suggested the following
measures to further improve the law and order situation and
to facilitate the industrial and commercial activities in
the region.
i) Expeditious building of two By-Pass Roads for industrial
traffic to ensure security for the people of Hub Town and
its market.
ii) For the time being to deploy FC from Hub Bridge to Hub
Police Station.
iii) Construction of dual carriage way on Northern Bypass
from Karachi to Hub.
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Keeping in view the interest of the investors to set up
Cement Industries in Lasbela and to explore the mineral
potential of the region, Mr. Yakoob Karim proposed to
allocate some land and to provide infrastructure to
facilitate the investors for setting up the Cement
Industries in this area. The Chief Minister, after making
consultations with concerned officers, announced the setting
up of Cement City and allocated an area of 1000 acres to be
allotted to prospective industrial concerns. The President
LCCI warmly welcomed the decision and assured full
support and cooperation for setting up industries in Cement
City. So far two big Cement Industries, Titan Cement and
Dera Ghazi Khan Cement have started their construction and
some others are also looking for setting up their
industries.
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Mr. Yakoob Karim and Dr. Muhammad Aslam, SVP recalled that
the LCCI has been proposing to set up a Sea Food City at
Gaddani or Dham keeping in view the feasibility at both the
locations. It has also been proposed to the President of
Pakistan during his visit to Gaddani on 22nd May,
2006. They requested the Chief Minister to look into this
project which may create the investment opportunities in the
region in Fish and Sea Food processing and better employment
may be available to the poor
fishermen community. The proposal is however under the
Government's consideration.
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At this moment Dr. Muhammad Aslam, Senior Vice President
LCCI briefly informed the Chief Minister about some of the
welfare work listed below which has so far been completed by
the Lasbela Development Committee in collaboration with LCCI,
LIEDA and Tehsil Nazim, Hub.
- Electrification of Babu Shaikh Goth at Hub
- Supply of Charpais to three Police Stations of
Lasbela District
- Supply of Water Coolers to two Police Stations and
Central Jail, Gaddani
- Furniture granted to one Police Stations and 15
Emergency Center and Special Branch
- Medical treatment of injured Police Personnel at
Agha Khan Medical University Hospital
- Construction of two class rooms at Government Middle
School at Jam Yousuf Colony, Hub
- Medical treatment at Murshad Hospital provided to
ailing patients including the one having severely
infected right leg.
- Grant of Electric fans to Medersahs at Hub and
Sakran
- Financial assistance to various students
- Contribution to poor people for meeting marriage
expenses of their daughter
- Contribution for establishment of Al-Falah CCB at
Hub
- Contribution to sports association to encourage
sports activities
- Water well with Hand Pump constructed at a village
in Sakran for supply of fresh water
- Bathrooms constructed at Middle and High Schools at
Hub
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A meeting with the Collector of Customs, Sales Tax & Federal
Excise, Quetta, Mr. Abdus Sami Babar was held at Hub on 22nd
March, 2007 and a large number of members' representatives
attended the meeting and interacted directly with the
Collector. Syed Tanvir Ahmed, Additional Collector of Sales
Tax and Federal Excise Hub and Mr. Pervez Esbhani,
Additional Collector of Customs, Gaddani, Col(R) Bashir
Ahmed Nadim, M.D. LIEDA and Mr. Azam Malik, the Chairman,
Pakistan Ship Breaker Association were also present in the
meeting.
Mr. Yakoob Karim, in his welcome address appreciated the
services and cooperation of the collectorate of sales tax at
Hub and that of customs at Gaddani in resolving the issues
and problems confronted by the business community. He also
appreciated the introduction of e-filing system of returns
thus minimizing the tax evasion and acceleration of tax
collection. He also drew the attention of the Collector
towards the following issues:-
- In Balochistan the revenue is generated from
industries, from fisheries, from ship breaking industry
etc. but it does not appear as revenue generated from
Balochistan and hence the Province of Balochistan does
not get proportionate returns from the exchequer
- About 78% of total collection of Balochistan in
respect of sales tax and federal excise is collected
from Lasbela which is due to coordinated efforts of LCCI
and the Sales Tax collectorate
- Reconstitution of refund and dispute resolution
committees at Collectorate level to facilitate the
settlement of refund cases
- Refund of sales tax and adjustments paid on
electricity bills issued by LIEDA by the exempted
industrial units
- Treasury office be located at Hub, so that the Sales
Tax refund Cheques may also be issued from Hub without
any delay
Mr. Azam Malik, Chairman Pakistan Ship Breaker Association
expressed his gratitude to the Collector of Customs and the
Collectorate at Gaddani and appreciated their cooperation
and support for the revival of ship breaking industry.
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Mr. Abdus Sami Baber, the Collector of Customs, Sales Tax
and Federal Excise, Quetta during his interaction with
members gave his opinion on the above issues:
- After the establishment of RTO at Hub in September,
2007, all the issues relating to Customs, Sales Tax and
Federal Excise would be dealt with by the RTO
themselves, and it is hoped that no delay would be made
in resolving the problems
- Recording of revenue collection from Balochistan has
now been started, as a policy matter for all the
provinces
- The problem of refund of sales tax on electricity
paid by the exempted and other units may be solved only
after the sales tax registration by the LIEDA
- Treasury Officer for issuance of Cheques would be
present at Hub on 2 days in a week
- During 1996-97, the revenue from ship breaking
industry was collected upto Rs. 3.5 billion, but now the
industry is in the revival phase and we expect better
results
Now the registration of LIEDA with Sales Tax has been
effected and the industries are now getting refunds as well
as adjustments. The exempted units are also getting
exemptions on their electricity bills. However some refund
claims of sales tax paid before the registration of LIEDA is
pending finalization of the procedure for refunds of such
claims.
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A Meeting with DIG, Khuzdar, Mr. Ghulam Shabbir Shaikh
was held on 26th March, 2007 at Hub,which was well attended
by the representatives of large number of members. The
President LCCI Mr. Yakoob Karim
welcomed the Chief Guest and the participants. DPO Lasbela
Mr. Ghulam Ali Lashari, SDPO Hub, Mr. Faizullah Korejo, SDPO
Winder Mr. Malik Arshad and other senior Police Officers
were present in the meeting.
The President Mr. Yakoob Karim in his welcome address
appreciated the performance of Police at Lasbela District
under the command of DPO Mr. Ghulam Ali Lashari. He also
appreciated the measures taken by the Police to provide
security to foreigners visiting Lasbela District. He sought
the cooperation of Col (R) Bashir Ahmed, M.D.LIEDA and the
members to install the closed circuit TV cameras to monitor
the security of the whole area. The President stressed the
need to provide an
additional mobile van to HITE Police Station keeping in view
the volume of work and the area of their jurisdiction.
The DIG Mr. Ghulam Shabbir Shaikh was kind enough to assure
the members to consider whatever President LCCI has
proposed. He also assured to upgrade the
efficiency of Police by providing them more facilities and
infrastructure.
The meeting was well attended and the members
discussed many issues relating to Law and Order in the
District with the DIG and other Police Officers.
As a result of the deliberations in the meeting, an
additional vehicle was provided to the HITE Police Station
besides posting of ATF squad.
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The Chamber organized a meeting of the Managers and
Executives of industrial units operating in Lasbela district
with the Government Functionaries working in the District.
The purpose of this meeting was to create an opportunity to
have direct interaction with the Government Officials with
the Management of industrial and commercial units, so that
they understand each others problems and to evolve a way out
to resolve the same aimed at smooth flow of economic
activities in the region.
The president of the Chamber Mr. Yakoob Karim in his welcome
speech stressed upon the participants to have direct
interaction with the Officials, in order to understand the
relevant laws, rules and regulations and to discuss the
problems, aimed at minimizing the irritants in running the
affairs of the industrial and commercial units.
The meeting was attended by the representatives of more than
100 companies and discussed their views with the following
Government Officials.
Mr. Shafiq Qasmi, Manager Industries LIEDA was the first to
give his presentation and the participants discussed with
the problems pertaining to the infra structure maintenance
and development and the services being provided by LIEDA.
Mr. Qasmi quite patiently heard every one and assured them
full cooperation regarding the solution of their problems
and consideration of their suggestions.
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Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed Shah, Regional Head EOBI explained
about the revision for PR-02A and the participants discussed
their problems with him.
Mr. D.A.M. Maharaj, Statistical Officer, Federal Bureau of
Statistics, Government of Pakistan and Mr. Jamaluddin,
Assistant Director (Industries), Government of Balochistan
explained the importance of statistical data regarding the
production of the industries to be provided to both the
departments. The Chamber has already requested the members
to provide the industrial data in the prescribed format. The
participants however, discussed with Mr. Jamaluddin the role
of the Directorate of Industries in the promotion of
industrial activities.
Mr. Lala Yousuf, Joint Director (Labour Welfare), Government
of Balochistan in his address to the house expressed his
satisfaction over the cooperation of all the industries
regarding the compliance of labour laws. The participants
also appreciated the support and guidance from the Labour
Welfare Department at Hub.
Mr. Hafeezullah, Regional Business Coordinator, SMEDA
informed about the capacity building seminars to be held in
collaboration with LIEDA and invited the participants to
suggest the issues on which the seminars may be held to
create proper awareness amongst the stakeholders.
Mr. Zaheer Ahmed, Principal, Technical Training College, Hub
explained about the activities of the College and offered to
revise the curriculum as per requirements of the industries
in order to educate the students to become able to be
absorbed in the industries.
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Mr. Shahiduddin, Deputy Director, Workers Education,
Government of Pakistan offered to hold training
programs in respect of Industrial Relations Systems, WTO
and Its Impact, Safety and Hygiene, HIV AIDS and Prevention,
Communication Skills, Human Resource Management etc. He
offered all the participants to hold these programmes in
their premises or with the collaboration of the Chamber. He
suggested to hold the seminar on
HIV-AIDS and Prevention to educate the workers and employees
regarding this fatal disease. The participants agreed and it
was decided to hold this seminar shortly in cooperation with
Chamber.
Keeping in view the success and the objectives achieved
after this meeting, the participants recommended holding
such meetings periodically in order to increase the
coordination between public and private sector.
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The Chamber in collaboration with the Sales Tax
Collectorate and Income Tax Department at Hub organized a
Seminar on "Taxation and E-Filing of Various Tax Returns" on
30th August, 2007, to create awareness amongst the members
regarding newly introduced and modified advanced version of
e-filing system of Sales Tax and Federal Excise returns and
Income Tax Returns.
The Seminar was addressed by the Additional Collector of
Customs, Sales Tax and Federal Excise, Hub, Mr. Faiz Ahmed,
the Chamber's President Mr. Yakoob Karim and Vice President
Mr. Iqbal Ismail. Mr. Yakoob Karim said that the New
E-Filing through CBR Computerized system (Web Portal) is an
improved version and is very popular amongst the business
community due to its simplicity and hassle free procedure.
Mr. Faiz Ahmed assured that the feed back received from the
Seminar would be taken into consideration for
further improvement of the procedure. He assured the
participants of the Seminar to resolve their genuine
problems if they approach to him directly or through the
Lasbela Chamber.
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The main feature of the Seminar was that it was attended
by the representatives of more than 100 companies based in
Lasbela District. Mr. Abdul Hameed Memon, Secretary Sales
Tax, FBR and Mr. Hasan Pervaiz of Pakistan Revenue
Automation Limited (PRAL) who were kind enough to come to
Hub right from Islamabad to give their presentations in the
Seminar. They both discussed the
procedure with the participants in detail and received
useful feed back from them regarding the procedural
bottlenecks and the suggestions for further improvement and
assured the participants to make amendments in the system
accordingly.
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Due to the enforcement of new and improved version of
e-filing through CBR Computerized System (Web Portal), the
tax payers were facing difficulties in filing the sales tax
returns. The Chamber suggested to hold the Seminar at Hub to
create awareness regarding the new and improved version of
e-filing system and also suggested to extend the last date
of filing the returns. The CBR however extended the date
upto 31st August 2007 from 15th August, which was the
routine due date.
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The Chamber organized a Seminar on "Marble Mining,
Processing and Marketing" in collaboration with LIEDA and
SMEDA, on "Marble Mining, Processing and Marketing" on 9th
February, 2007 at Hub, Lasbela, which was widely
participated by marble mine owners, marble processors and
exporters. The Seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Jam Kamal
Khan, Nazim Lasbela District and was attended and addressed
by Mr. Bakhtiar Khan, Provincial Chief of SMEDA, Mr.
Ihsanullah Khan, Chairman Pakistan Stone Development Company
on special invitation, besides Mr. Iqbal Ismail, Vice
President of the Chamber who welcomed all the guests and the
participants. The speakers informed about the projects which
they are being undertaken for the development of stone
sector of Pakistan.
The main purpose of the Seminar was to create awareness
amongst the stakeholders regarding the use of modern
technology for preparing mining quarries to ensure minimum
wastage of stone at mining stage and also to ensure the
production of international standards marble products at
processing level. It was also aimed at employing modern
marketing techniques to introduce the Pakistani marble
products in the international market.
Mr. Nadeem Shahnshahi of M/s. Stonyx gave his comprehensive
presentation on Marble Mining, improvement of modern quarry
by using modern mining technology and how to get maximum
advantage of using modern technology and discussed the
practical aspects of mining with the participants. Similarly
Mr. Anwer Chughtai, an overseas Pakistani having made heavy
investment in Marble City, Gaddani, gave his thoughtful
presentation on the use of modern technology at the
processing level and modern marketing techniques to get
export orders from the market. The participants were much
benefited and took keen interest in the presentations.
During the Seminar, it was felt that a feasibility study
should be drawn for the development of a mining quarry using
the modern technology and setting up of well equipped
processing plant. It was also recommended that the Chamber
in collaboration with LIEDA should organize an exhibition of
mining machinery at Hub to provide an opportunity to
stakeholders to have direct interaction with machinery
suppliers, banks, consultants etc.
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The commercial and industrial units in Lasbela were
facing great difficulties to comply with the Environmental
Laws and Regulations due to their ignorance regarding the
procedure to follow the same. In some cases the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Balochistan was in
the process to refer them to Environmental Arbitration
Tribunal headed by a Judge of the Honourable High Court of
Balochistan. In order to resolve this issue the Chamber
approached The EPA Balochistan and suggested to hold a
Seminar at Hub to create awareness amongst the business
community of Lasbela District, keeping in view the largest
industrial area of Balochistan.
The EPA Balochistan agreed and the Chamber in
collaboration with them organized a Seminar on
"Environmental Laws and Implementation" at Hub on 7th
August, 2007. Mr. Jamshed Hasni, the Director General, EPA,
Balochistan was the Chief Guest in the Seminar. Mr. Shahid
Durrani, Director, EPA was also present. Both the Officers
came right from Quetta to participate in the Seminar on the
invitation by the Chamber.
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The Chamber's President Mr. Yakoob Karim while welcoming
the guest and participants said that the visit of Mr.
Jamshed Hasni, the DG, EPA is at very right time to provide
guidance to the members regarding the proceedings as per
law. He stressed the need of compliance of this law to
protect the nature and the environment. He also suggested to
set up an office of EPA in Hub which is the largest
industrial area of Balochistan, in order to resolve the
environmental issues instantly.
Mr. Jamshed Hasni in his address gave the background of the
promulgation of environmental laws and explained the rules
and regulations. He assured that he and his colleague are
here to facilitate and educate the stakeholders regarding
the implementation of law and not to harass them. Mr. Shahid
Durrani explained about the procedure based on the
environmental audit with the help of a competent consultant
and the assessment of EPA leading to the issuance of NOC by
the EPA with periodic reporting by the industry and
monitoring by the EPA. The participants discussed every
major and minor issue regarding the subject and got fully
acquainted about the relevant legal provisions. Mr. Jamshed
Hasni and Mr. Shahid Durrani both offered to cooperate with
the Chamber and its members as and when required.
Mr. Saleem-uz-Zaman of M/s. Global Environmental Services
gave his presentation regarding the documentation for the
implementation of these laws and explained every aspect of
the subject.
In the end Vice President Mr. Iqbal Ismail thanked the DG
and Director EPA for their visit to the Chamber and assured
Chamber's best cooperation.
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As decided in the meeting with Managers, a Seminar was
held in collaboration with the Directorate of Workers
Education, Government of Pakistan, Hub on "HIV-AIDS and Its
Prevention" on 22nd February, 2007 at Hub. The purpose of
the Seminar was to create awareness amongst the workers and
employees about the fatal disease HIV-AIDS and about the
ways and means to be adopted for its prevention.
The Senior Vice President, Dr. Muhammad Aslam inaugurated
the Seminar and advised the participants to discuss all
aspects of this fatal disease with the speakers. Mr.
Shahiduddin, Deputy Director, Workers Education, Government
of Pakistan in his presentation introduced his directorate
and the subject in detail and Dr. Zahid Hussain of Ghulam
Qadir Government Hospital, Hub gave detailed presentation on
the nature and causes of the disease and also the
precautions.
The Seminar was well attended and the participants discussed
various matters regarding the subject in details.
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A Business Forum on "Public - Private Partnership for
Education" was organized by Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy
(PCP) with the collaboration of the Chamber on 23rd April,
2007 at Hub. The purpose of the Forum
was to inform the participants about the procedure of
adopting the Government education institutions for their
improvement and development.
The Forum was presided by the President LCCI, Mr. Yakoob
Karim and Mr. Waqar Anjum of Pakistan Centre for
Philanthropy (PCP), and Mr. Abdul Qayum, EDO Education,
Lasbela District were also present in the Forum.
Mr. Yakoob Karim in his inaugural speech welcomed all the
participants of the Forum and informed about its
purpose that is to understand the procedure how to develop
the educational institutions in coordination with public and
private enterprises. He informed that although there are
about 550 schools in Lasbela District, but in most of the
schools the basic necessities are not available. He
appreciated the efforts of the Nazim Lasbela District Jam
Kamal Khan to improve the condition in this sector,
particularly in his stress on the promotion of Information
Technology in the region. However he stressed the need of
coordinated efforts for the promotion of education which is
basic necessity for National Development.
Mr. Abdul Qayum EDO Education informed about the details of
the condition of the educational institutions and the budget
available for providing facilities to the
institutions. He also stressed the need of coordination
between public and private sector to develop the
educational institution.
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Mr. Waqar Anjum, Program Manager, Pakistan Centre for
Philanthropy (PCP), in his key address informed that PCP
which was established in 2001 as an independent, non-profit
support organization aims to increase the
volume and effectiveness of philanthropy in Pakistan through
facilitating linkages between the corporate philanthropists,
non-profit organizations and the government.
The Government of Pakistan is actively promoting Public
Private Partnerships as a part of its Education Strategy in
achieving the Millennium Development Goals and in pursuing
the Education Sector Reform Agenda, which is to enhance
access and improve the quality of education. PCP, through
the Public Private Partnership (3Ps) project is
supplementing the efforts of the Government with special
focus in improvement of quality of education in poor rural
and urban communities.
Regarding the procedure to establish the 3Ps he narrated
that one of the projects being implemented under the
Philanthropy Services Program is Public Private Partnerships
(3Ps) for Education for improving Physical infrastructure in
Primary schools and enhancing access to and quality of
primary education, PCP is currently working in Karachi as
well as Ghotki, Thatta and Shadadkot districts. It plans to
start work in Islamabad and earthquake affected areas and
other part of the country.
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The overall goal of this project is to harness the
potential of corporate philanthropy for improvement of
educational services (primary and middle schools) for
marginalized and under-served communities through an
institutionalized school adoption process working with
district governments.
After the corporate partners indicate their interest in
school adoption, PCP signs a MOU with relevant District
Government (DG). The identification and adoption of schools
are done in consultation with the DG and the corporate
partner. The 3Ps team conducts a survey of the schools in
the area designated by the corporate partner. Through needs
assessments of several schools involving the School
management Committees (SMC's), school administration and the
community are conducted before the one/ones to adopt are
chosen. The School Improvement plans are based on the needs
assessment survey and interventions are shared with
corporate partner in the form of a proposal. The partnership
is formalized through a tri-partite agreement between the
DG, corporate partner and PCP. The agreement contains the
objectives and methodology of the project and defines the
rules and responsibilities of the three stakeholders. A NOC
is also issued by the DG allowing interventions to be
implemented in the schools PCP does not charge for the
facilitation or any support services and all funds are
allocated and spent directly to school improvement by the
corporate partner.
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PCP has been facilitating Public Private Partnerships
(3Ps) in the education sector since June, 2003. So far, 53
schools have been adopted benefiting 13, 111 children. For
example he said that a range of corporate partnerships have
been formed under the programme of the PCP 3Ps project
including Dewan Mushtaq Group, Thatta Cement Company Ltd in
Thatta, Petrona Carigali (Pakistan) Ltd, Tullow Pakistan
(Developments) Ltd and Engro Chemicals Pakistan LTD and
Unilever Pakistan Limited in Ghotki and Pakistan Petroleum
Ltd in Kamber Shahdadkot and English Biscuit Manufacturers (Pvt)
Ltd in Karachi.
He invited the Business Community of Lasbela District to
take part in this program by way of adopting the identified
schools according to the above procedure. He also gave his
e-mail address:
waqaranjum@pcp.org.pk for easy access to him.
Mr. Iqbal Ismail, Vice President of the Chamber in his
closing remarks assured the participants as well as the PCP
its cooperation in achieving the objectives of the Forum by
way of providing a platform for creating 3Ps.
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On 16th November, 2007, Ms. Shaheen Malik, Economic
Advisor of World Bank, Islamabad visited the Chamber and met
with the President Mr. Yakoob Karim and informed that the
World Bank is working on the determination of GNP of
Balochistan on the request of Government of Pakistan. She
requested the Chamber to help them in collecting the
industrial production data for Lasbela District. Meanwhile
Mr. D. M. Maharaj, Statistical Officer, Federal Bureau of
Statistics, Government of Pakistan and Mr. Jamaluddin,
Assistant Director of Industries, Balochistan also
approached the Chamber with the same request in connection
with Census of Manufacturing Industries.
The Chamber requested the members to provide the industrial
production data for the year 2005-06 on the prescribed
format. The member industries cooperated and provided the
data, which was compiled by the Chamber and forwarded to the
above offices. Ms. Shaheen Malik of World Bank and Mr.
Maharaj of Federal Bureau of Statistics much appreciated the
cooperation and efforts of the Chamber in the greater
national interest.
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During the month of April & November, low gas pressure
and poor quality supply was experienced by many industries,
resulting in low output in captive power generation thereby
affecting their production. The President Mr. Yakoob Karim
at once approached the M.D. Sui Southern Gas Company Limited
(SSGC) who tried to improve the situation. Still there were
some problems in supply of Gas. However a delegation of the
Chamber led by Mr. Yakoob Karim met with Mr. Aziz Iqbal
Siddiqui, M.D. SSGC on 29th November, 2007 who informed that
the pressure of Gas supply would be doubled and quality
would be much improved by mid January, 2008 as 20" diameter
pipe line is being laid from Karachi to Hub.
Mr. Yakoob Karim appreciated the performance of Sui Gas
Company which is now attaining about 99% efficiency.
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The Chamber has been pursuing the matter of supply of
Natural Gas to Winder and Uthal since quite a long time, as
it is necessary for industrial investment in these areas.
The matter was discussed with the Prime Minster Mr. Shaukat
Aziz, during his visit to Hub in January 2005 who agreed in
principal to arrange supply upto at-least Winder in the
first phase. Later on during the meeting with Governor of
Balochistan, Mr. Owais Ahmed Ghani in August, 2005, this
matter was discussed by the Chamber's Delegation. The
Governor informed about the interest of Prime Minster to
implement this project with an estimated cost of Rs. 552
million. He also showed interest to take up the matter with
the Prime Minister and other relevant departments for its
expeditious implementation.
The matter was again raised before the Prime Minister of
Pakistan during the meeting with him on 6th October 2005 who
gracefully assigned the job Mr. Jahangir Tareen, the Federal
Minister for Industries for looking into the matter.
Finally during the visit of the President of the Pakistan at
Hub on 22nd May, 2006, he very kindly announced the Project
of supply of Gas to Winder and onwards. It was proposed that
the stakeholders should also contribute towards the cost of
the project, but the industries at Winder and Gaddani were
of opinion that providing the infrastructure is the
responsibility of the Government, therefore it should bear
the whole cost. The matter is however under active
consideration of the Government and it is hoped that the
implementation of the project will start soon.
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It was observed that the portion of RCD Highway passing
through the Hub City was in very bad condition and the
traffic was facing much difficulty to pass through this
portion. It had also become a security risk for foreigners
frequently visiting Hub besides leaving bad impression on
them. The President Mr. Yakoob Karim immediately invited the
attention of NHA to make repairs of this portion in order to
ensure the smooth running of traffic.
Mr.Yakoob Karim alongwith Mr. Jamil Gichki, the Nazim Hub
Tehsil also visited NHA headquarters in Karachi and met with
Mr. Khair Mohammad Solangi, Director (Maintenance) and
discussed the situation. Mr. Solangi however informed that
they have already awarded the Contract for its repair. The
Road then was repaired within a short span of time.
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It was noted that the RCD Highway (N-25) Bridge on Hub
River linking Balochistan with Karachi has become very
dangerous for traffic, as its foundations were damaged due
to removal of sand and gravel from the River Bed posing
great danger of any catastrophe.
Keeping in view the importance of this bridge being the
life line of Hub Industrial area and other parts of
Balochistan, Dr. Mohammad Aslam discussed the matter with
M.D. LIEDA and Nazim Hub and took up the matter with NHA
alongwith the photographs of damaged portions of the Bridge
apprising them of the dangerous condition of the bridge.
The NHA however, has started the repair and maintenance work
of the bridge which is still going on, for which the Chamber
is thankful to NHA.
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Considering the importance of Lasbela District due to its
being the Gateway to the Free Port of Gawader, the Chamber
proposed to the Ministry of Railways for laying a Railway
Track from Karachi to Hub and starting a passenger and goods
train to facilitate the industries to reduce the cost of
transportation of their workers and goods, thus reducing
their cost of production.
The Railway Authorities took up this proposal very seriously
and advised the Chamber to contact the Railway approved
Consultants to prepare the Feasibility Study of the Project.
The Chamber contacted as many as eight such Consultants and
ultimately M/s. Pakistan Railways Advisory and Consultancy
Services (Pvt) Limited, Islamabad sent their proposal for
preparing the Feasibility Study.
Finally the President of Pakistan during his visit to Hub on
22nd May, 2006 announced that Karachi would be linked with
Hub and onwards to Gawader through a Railway Track. Pursuing
the same, a meeting was held between Pakistan Railway, LIEDA
and the Lasbela Chamber to consider the ways and means to
proceed
further. An interdepartmental committee comprising of the
representatives of Railway, LIEDA and the Chamber was formed
to study the technical and commercial aspects of the
Project. The Chamber provided the necessary commercial and
industrial data to Railway for their assistance in
developing the feasibility. It is hoped that the feasibility
of the Project would now be drawn very soon.
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After consulting the members particularly Mr. Faisal
Lodhia of M/s. Dongfeng Board Pakistan, Hub, regarding
various issues relating to taxation and procedure, the
Chamber forwarded the following memorandum to the Ministry
of Finance, Government of Pakistan and the CBR for
consideration and incorporation in the Federal Budget
2007-2008.
Most of the proposals were approved and adjusted in
different ways to facilitate the trade and industry and
overall effect of budget has been satisfactory for the
growth of trade and industrial activities.
Issue:
Amendment in Second Schedule, Part IV, in (56) sub
clause (XXI) of the Income Tax ordinance 2001, it reads as
‘(xxi) Capital goods imported by a manufacturer whose sales
are 100% exports and produces a certificate from the
Commissioner of Income Tax to the effect that the imported
capital goods shall be
(a) Installed in his own industrial undertaking; and
(b) Exclusively used for production of goods to be
exported".
Outcome:
The condition for availing exemption from withholding income
tax is time consuming and discriminatory.
Proposal:
All the importers of Capital goods, who are registered as
Manufacturers with Sales Tax Department, should get
outright exemption from withholding tax at the time of
imports.
Issue:
Plaster / Gypsum Board Industry has been set up for the
first time in Pakistan in 2006, for the manufacture of
Plaster / Gypsum Boards, Panels, Tiles. This industry is not
listed in the Table to this SRO.
Out come:
Raw materials used in the manufacture of the products
attract 25 to 20% Custom Duty, 15% Sales Tax and
6% Income Tax. Therefore it cannot compete with the imported
goods having 25% Custom Duty. In case of imports from China
Duty is 23.75% for paper faced
products and for laminated it is 12.5% under Early Harvest
Programme.
Proposal:
Engineering Development Board has recommended for creation
of new Serial No. in the SRO for manufacture of Plaster /
Gypsum Boards, Panels, Tiles. This industry may be listed
for import of all its raw materials at 5% Custom Duty as
provided at SNO 111, of the Table to the SRO.
Issue:
In S NO. 111 of the Table to the SRO Raw Materials' Duty is
5%, Some industries have to import same raw materials under
this SRO at 10% Customs Duty.
Outcome:
This is an anomaly and discrimination against industries
which are charged at 10% duty on raw materials. This also
increases the cost of production. It renders Pakistani goods
uncompetitive in international markets.
Proposal:
All the Raw Materials imported by all the industries should
be charged at 5% Customs Duty.
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Issue:.
Serial No. 1(I), Machinery, equipment and other capital
goods for miscellaneous agro based industries, like milk
processing, fruit, vegetable or flowers grading, picking or
processing etc. are exempted from Customs Duty, subject to
fulfilling 2 conditions.
(1) Importers have to submit a certificate from the Ministry
of Food & Agriculture and live stock that the goods are
bonafide requirements.
(2) The goods shall not be sold or other wise disposed off
within a period of five years of its import except
without prior approval of the CBR.
Outcome:
Lot of time and other resources are wasted in fulfilling the
above two conditions. Production is delayed and exports
suffer, Pakistan is loosing fast its export markets,
especially rice, on account of these conditions.
Proposal:
Both the conditions may be deleted from the column 5 of the
Table to SRO.
Issue:
In the Table to the SRO 575(I)/2006 dated 05-06-2006 at S
NO. 21: Machinery, equipment and other capital goods
imported by an industrial concern are chargeable to duty at
5% with a condition that "If imported for setting up of any
industry" There is no such condition at S NO. 20 for import
of identical goods for the same purpose by Mineral Oil and
Petrochemical and heavy chemical sectors Similarly at S NO
22 there is no such condition for "Machinery and equipment
imported by a commercial importer.
Outcome:
This is an anomaly and discrimination against an
industrial concern in importing capital goods.
Proposal:
Condition mentioned in column 5 against S NO. 21 of the
Table to SRO may be deleted.
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Issue:
R&D support system was introduced in August 2006 to
encourage textile export from Pakistan.
Outcome:
Export of new products and to new markets has become very
uncompetitive
Proposal:
R&D support system may be extended to all new
products manufactured in Pakistan and to all new (non-traditional) markets.
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1. Amendments Suggested in Customs Act 1969
The suggestions for amendments in Customs Act, 1969 has been
mentioned at Annex-A
2. Amendments Suggested in Customs
Rules/Procedures
A. The suggestions for amendments Customs Rules and
Procedure has been mentioned at
Annex-B
B. Non-Availability of Daily list of Imports and Exports
data from PRAL/CBR
Issue:
Importers have been facing problem due to the non
availability of daily list of imports and exports, released
by customs from Karachi port/Port Qasim/Dry Ports and items
cleared under CARE system.
Outcome:
This has led to non-transparency in customs assessments.
Proposal:
PRAL and CBR are suggested to publish complete information
about daily data without omitting any entries, either
imported/exported from Karachi Port/Port Qasim/Dry Ports,
including CARE and also may be made available on CBR's web
site.
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3. Five working days Free and Port Demurrages
Issue:
Five free working days for demurrages allowed by KPT/and
other container terminals on the pretext of quick
custom clearance are the major cause of heavy demurrages on
imports since five days are computed from the day of IGM,
secondly, normally container yards take two days to ground
the containers for custom examination, which further reduces
the free day. Furthermore shipping agents are closed on
Saturday and they take at least a day for computing the
charges and making the pay orders, reducing the free day to
one.
Furthermore Model Collectorate under CARE takes more than
four days for hearing/decision coercing the importers into
accepting the enhanced value or pay the demurrage charges.
Proposal:
The free working days should be raised to 10 days to save
the imports from becoming costlier.
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4. Delay in clearance of goods at Model Custom
Collectorate (MCC):
Issue:
Importers have been facing tremendous problems due to the
delay in clearance of consignments of containers at Model
Custom Collectorate. CARE system was introduced aimed at
reducing the wastage of time for speedy clearance of goods
however now-a-days a number of problems exist there.
The CARE on an average takes many days to release goods
instead of four to five hours and the delay is primarily
because shortage of examiners and appraisers and delay in
reviews.
The delay in clearance of consignment is totally
contradictory to the government policy of speedy clearance
of goods under care, which aims at clearance of goods within
four to five hours.
Furthermore complications arise when the consignments are
examined without informing the importers.
Proposal:
(i) The goods, after payment of duty be speedily released
and all possible bottlenecks and short comings be addressed
and removed.
(ii) For reviews fax machine to each A/C, D/C may be
provided, so that importer may fax directly their evidences
in support of DV to AC or DC concerned.
(iii) The Examination should be carried out in the presence
of importers to avoid complications/dispute afterwards.
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It is suggested that the amendments in Customs Tariff should
be carried out keeping in view the difference between the
rate of duty on raw material and finished goods should be at
least 10% to avoid anomaly between the rates of duty
applicable on raw material and finished goods.
The suggestions for changes in the rate of duty on various
items has been mentioned at
Annex-C
EXPORTS
Research & Development Support Fund
Research and Development Support is given to Textile Sector
on some items exported by it. Its payment procedure is very
cumbersome.
It is suggested that all Textile items may be given R&D
support. Moreover in order to encourage export of new items
and new markets R&D support may be extended to these
sectors. Also payment of R&D support amount to the exporters
may be simplified. The negotiating bank should collect all
the required documents from the exporters for the payment of
R&D and pay the R&D support amount to exporters at the time
of negotiation of export documents.
Import & Re-Export of Machinery / Equipment after Repairs /
Replacement:
According to clause (1) under para (9) heading
"EXPORT"-cum-Import of Export Policy 2006-07 importers have
to first export the item to be repaired/replaced and then
re-import the repairs/
replacement. This creates production loss, because if an
essential item installed in the plant gets defective or
damaged or faulty and if it is removed for first export then
in such a situation the entire plant gets disturbed and shut
down.
Proposal:
In Import Policy Order at S.No. 11, Temporary Import the
following sub clause may be added.
Import of capital goods may be allowed to an industry for
the purpose of repairs/replacement of defective,
damaged or faulty part of machinery or equipment subject to
submission of indemnity bond or bank guarantee to ensure
re-export of the same within the specified period.
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IMPORTS
1. SRO 1065(i)2005 Dated 20-10-2005
In para 10 of Import Policy "Import of inputs by
manufacturer cum exporter" are allowed to import items
actually required for production of items of export, under
manufacturing bonds, DTRE and SRO 410(I)2001 dated
18-06-2001.
The SRO 410(I) 2001 dated 18-06-2001 has been
substituted by SRO 1065(I)2005 dated 20-10-2005 for
temporary importation of goods for exportation. Therefore
para 10 of the Import Policy Order 2006 dated 31-07-2006 may
be upgraded by substituting SRO 1065(I)2005 dated 20-10-2005
for SRO 410(I)2001 date 18-06-2001.
2. Appendix 'G'
The items importable from India mentioned in Appendix G of
the Import Policy-2006-2007 should be rewritten according to
sequential order of H S Code
numbers and synchronize with PCT headings for easy
reference.
All the raw materials listed in table to SRO (1)2006, dated
05-06-2006, used in the all manufacturing of products may be
allowed to import from India, as per Table to the SRO. This
will reduce the cost of production and make available of raw
material in very short time.
3. Appendix 'C'
Machinery, Machinery Parts, Equipments and Commodities which
are not importable in used and second hand condition are
listed in Appendix C. In Import Policy 2006-2007, S.No.7
Machinery Parts & Components in used and second hand
condition of Chapter 84 of PCT are importable by industrial
units and by construction mining and petroleum sector
companies. S. No. 9 Machinery & Machinery Parts of Chapter
85, and S. No. 12 Apparatus and appliances of Chapter 90 may
also be allowed to be imported in used and second hand
condition buy industrial units and by construction mining
and petroleum sector companies, as incase of S, No.7
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The Chamber suggested the amendments in relevant Sections of
the Lasbela Industrial Estates Development Authority
Ordinance 1984 (Balochistan Ordinance No. IX of 1984) have
been proposed to achieve the objective of the Government and
Private Sector Partnership. The amendments in the Ordinance
have been proposed to provide for the following:-
1. To create a sort of Public / Private Partnership to
ensure better management exiting and upcoming Industrial
Estates in Lasbela District.
2. To ensure that the decision taken by the Board of
Director of LIEDA may be taken after due
consideration keeping in view all the legal and practical
aspects and once the decision are taken the same to be
implemented promptly and smoothly.
3. To authorize the Board of Directors of LIEDA to appoint
the Managing Director of LIEDA and other officer and staff;
and
4. To constitute the Board of Director of LIEDA having
at-least four Directors from Lasbela Chamber and two from
the Government, out of which four Directors necessary to
make a quorum for the meeting of the Board of Directors of
LIEDA.
In order to consider the proposed amendments in LIEDA
Ordinance, the LIEDA Board of Directors
constituted a Committee under the Governorship of Secretary,
Law, Government of Balochistan, which would give its
recommendations after due considerations. The matter was
also taken up during the meeting with the Governor of
Balochistan, who also took interest in the
proposed creation of Private/Public Partnership through the
amendments in LIEDA Ordinance 1984.
The issue was raised before the Prime Minster of Pakistan as
well as before the Governor of Balochistan. Both of them
took utmost interest and it is hoped that
necessary notification would be issued very soon.
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Last year a good number of our member organizations have
reported to the Chamber that they have received notices from
the Joint Director Labour Welfare, Cum Authority under
Payment of Wages Act. Balochistan, for filing
written-statement in cases / claims filed by Mr. Meherban
Shah, General Secretary Pakistan Mines & Industrial Trade
Union Federation u/s. 6(b) of the Employees' Cost of Living
(Relief) Act, 1973.
The Chamber took up the matter with the Secretary (Labour &
Manpower), Government of Balochistan that Mr. Mehrban Shah
is neither an employee of any of the Organization / Company
nor he has claimed to be a
worker of any of the Companies nor he is office bearer of
any of the Union (C.B.A.) of the Organizations / Companies,
yet he has lodged a claim of Rs.36,625/- against every
Company before the Joint Director Labour. who have issued
notices to all employers' to submit their written-statement
on specified date(s). In fact under Employees Cost of Living
(Relief) Act, 1973 only aggrieved employee / worker and / or
a person authorized by an aggrieved worker can apply to the
said Authority for his withheld or delayed Cost of Living
Allowance.
The Chamber also requested the Secretary (Labour &
Manpower), Balochistan that in view of the above facts, an
inquiry into the matter may be conducted and also to advise
the concerned Joint Director Labour / Payment & Wages
Authority to review the cases filed by Mr. Mehrban Shah
before him in the light of section 6 of Employees' Cost of
Living (Relief) Act, 1973 and dismiss the same as being invalid and irrelevant because the applicant has no
employment relationship with any of the Companies.
The Chamber also arranged the identical reply from the
individual companies after legal consultations. Mr. Siddique
Rafi of M/s. Otsuka Pakistan Limited and
Mr. Abbas of M/s. Pakistan Formica Limited sincerely
cooperated the Chamber to take up this matter appropriately.
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However, as the nominee employers, Mr. Siddique Rafi of M/s.
Otsuka Pakistan Limited appeared before the Court of Joint
Director Labour at Hub at various hearings and submitted his
views as above. The Honourable Court
however advised him to refer to Order from any Honourable
Court in this regard that only the aggrieved person can file
such petition.
In the last hearing on 13th April, 2007, Mr. Siddique Rafi
referred the required Order of Hnourable High Court of
Balochistan before the Court of Joint Director Labour, who
ultimately rejected the application of Mr. Meherban Shah of
Pakistan Mines & Industrial Trade Union Federation on the
plea that the petitioner is not an aggrieved person
directly.
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In order to comply with the requirements of Environmental
Protection Laws in Pakistan, it was
proposed that a Combined Affluent Treatment Plant may be
installed in Hub to treat the industrial affluent water
before it goes to Hub River. Thanks to the sincere efforts
of the President LCCI and Mr. Tariq Rafi of M/s. Siddiqsons
Denim Mills Limited, The Government at Federal, Provincial
and District Level has agreed to finance 95% of Project Cost
with 5% by stakeholders. The survey was made by the Turkish
consultants and suppliers of the Plant, who proposed LIEDA
to make a topographical survey of HITE and other industrial
areas to ensure proper installation of sewerage system so
that all the waste water may go to the main sewerage outlet.
LIEDA has completed its survey work and now is working on
this project of installation of proper sewerage system. It
is hoped that with cooperation of industrial units, LIEDA
would be able to complete the work in shortest possible time
and the project of setting up of Treatment Plant may be
initiated.
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The Governor of Balochistan during the meeting with the
Chamber's Delegation at Hub on 8th January, 2005, gracefully
selected the Lasbela Chamber to take over the Management of
newly constructed 50-Bed Government Hospital at HITE, Hub.
The Hospital was constructed by the Workers Welfare Board,
Balochistan.
The Executive Committee of the Chamber in its
meeting held on 4th March, 2005 unanimously decided to take
over the administration of the Hospital.
After getting the formal approval from the Workers Welfare
Board, Balochistan the Secretary of the Board signed the
Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber on 20th June,
2005 when he visited the Chamber for this purpose. According
to the MOU, the WWB will procure and install the medical
equipment in the hospital from its own resources and will
provide funds for running the same for two years.
It was a great achievement of the Chamber as it was an
honour for the Chamber that the Honourable Governor of
Balochistan has reposed his confidence on the Lasbela
Chamber for this noble cause.
Unfortunately the Board cancelled this on the objection of
Quetta Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The Chamber's
President Dr. Muhammad Aslam made
representation against this decision and through the support
of the Chief Secretary, Balochistan, the decision was
reversed and MOU signed remained intact. They have also
handed over the Hospital Building to the Chamber on 23rd May
2006. The procurement and installation of machinery and
equipment is under process and very soon the Hospital is
expected to start its functioning.
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The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) is
engaged in promoting human development by providing
assistance to governmental, non-governmental organizations
and local governments in areas of education, access to basic
health services, promote volunteerism and local resource
mobilization.
Their District Programme manager, Mr. Faheem Baloch called
on the President, Mr. Yakoob Karim on 3rd February, 2007 at
Hub and proposed the Chamber's support in accomplishment of
the objectives of NCHD. The President agreed to his proposal
and informed that the Chamber is already engaged in welfare
activities through the Lasbela Development Committee in
collaboration with LIEDA and Nazim, Hub. The President
offered him the Chamber's
support in NCHD programme.
Later on the NCHD organized a Philanthropist Forum at Hub on
19th April, 2007 which was presided over by the Chief
Secretary of Balochsitan, Mr. K.B. Rind, in which the
Poverty Alleviation Programme of NCHD was explained. The
President LCCI Mr. Yakoob Karim and Secretary LCCI Mr. Abdul
Rasheed participated in the Forum. Mr. Yakoob Karim offered
the Forum to identify the welfare project and the Chamber
will collaborate in completion of the projects as far as
possible. He also sought the support of the Chief Secretary
in early start of the
functioning of 50-Bed Hospital at HITE, Hub.
The Chief Secretary was surprised to know the slow pace of
working in respect of the start of the Hospital and advised
the relevant departments to expedite.
To acknowledge the welfare services of the Chamber, a
Certificate of Volunteership was awarded By the NCHD to the
Secretary Mr. Abdul Rasheed in Acknowledgement Award
Ceremony held on 15th June, 2007 at Hub presided by Mr.
Ibrahim Doda, the then Acting Nazim of Lasbela District.
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On the initiative of SVP Dr. Muhammad Aslam, the President
Mr. Yakoob Karim announced the Poor People Zakat Fund in
which the members contributed their Zakat, which was
distributed on 15th Ramzan since two years in month of
Ramzan amongst the needy people of Lasbela in the form of
food packets, in consultation with Nazim, Hub Tehsil and
also directly through various notable of the area. Now it
has become tradition of the Chamber to provide support to
the needy people from the Zakat Fund with the cooperation
and support of the members. The Chamber is thankful to the
members who contributed in Zakat Fund.
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During the recent rains in Balochistan, the floods caused
heavy damage to the life and property in Lasbela District.
In order to provide relief to the flood affected
people, the President Mr. Yakoob Karim announced the Poor
People Fund for these affectees and the members
contributed whole heatedly in the fund both in cash and in
kind. Consequently, the food packets worth about Rupees one
million was distributed amongst the flood affected
people with the help of Tehsil Nazim and other notable
social workers of the area. The people of Lasbela District
appreciated this gesture of the Chamber. The Chamber is
thankful to the members who contributed wholeheartedly and
generously to this cause which enabled to Chamber to provide
relief to flood affected people.
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In pursuance of the decision taken in the meeting of the
President of Lasbela Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the
presence of MD, LIEDA with the Nazim, Hub Tehsil and the
Tehsil Municipal Officer, held on 3rd February, 2005, a
Committee comprising the above participants was suggested to
be formed for re-construction and welfare of Hub Tehsil
initially and later on of the whole Lasbela District under
the name and title of 'Lasbela Development Committee'. Its
constitution was approved by the Executive Committee of the
Chamber in its meeting held on 4th March 2005.
The main objectives of the Committee were to make survey of
the infrastructure facilities and civic amenities in the Hub
Tehsil and identify the project for repair,
reconstruction and development of these facilities and
amenities. It will also identify the welfare projects in the
fields of social, education etc. for the benefit of the
people of Tehsil Hub and create funds for execution and
maintenance and to meet recurring expenses on these
projects.
The funds for the Committee will be created through the
donations from the members of the Chamber, from City
Government's Funds and from LIEDA funds allocated for this
purpose.
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So far from the Committee has provided financial help to
the injured police personnel of Hub Police Station,
provided beds for the Police personnel on duty at Police
Stations, HITE, Hub and Winder, Water Coolers to Hub Police
Station and Central Jail Gaddani. This has improved the
working conditions of the Police personnel and thereby
leaving good effect on their performance. Prior to this
assistance, the President himself visited Police Stations at
Hub, HITE, Winder, Gaddani and Sakran to make
assessment of their requirements and to boost their moral.
Furniture was provided to 15 Emergency Center and Special
Branch.
It is for the first in the history of trade bodies in
Pakistan that the Chamber's President himself took keen
interest in the Police Welfare and took initiative to solve
their practical problems.
Similarly the Committee also provided 800 meters of Electric
Cable for electrification of Babu Shaikh Goth at Hub. For
this purpose M/s. Pioneer Cable Limited, Hub cooperated with
the Committee and donated 400 meters of the Cable Free of
Cost. The Committee from its own resources provided the
remaining quantity. Due to these efforts, the
electrification of the above Goth pending for many years was
completed.
On the request of Government Middle School, Jam Yousuf
Colony, Hub two classrooms have been constructed in the
school for the benefit of students and handed over to the
school administration. Both Rooms in both Boys' and Girls'
Schools at Hub and middle schools were constructed.
It also arranged for boring at Sakran to find fresh water
and installed an electric motor and pump for getting water
from the boring, which has benefited the people of the whole
area.
Besides the above, electric fans, electric cable and darees
(floor mats)
were provided to various mosques and madrassahs at Hub.
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