Latest news with #SaleemMemon
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Strike observed across Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: In response to the call by the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), the nationwide protest held on Saturday, 19th July, against the excessive powers granted to the FBR and its harassment-oriented policies toward the business community, proved to be a complete success in Hyderabad as well. All major commercial areas of the city, including Anjuman Tajiran Hyderabad, Cloth Market, Bangles Industries, Saddar Bazaar, Resham Bazaar, Anaj Mandi, Market Tower, all Mobile Market Associations, Chotki Ghitti, Tilak Chari, Faujdari Road, Station Road, Lajpat Road, Phuleli Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Nusrat Bazaar, Faqeer Ka Par, Advani Gali, Qazi Qayoom Road, Latifabad, Qasimabad, Tando Jam and other market areas, remained completely shut in solidarity. President of HCSTSI Saleem Memon, extended his heartfelt thanks to the entire trader community, unions, associations, and chambers of Hyderabad for making this peaceful and exemplary protest a resounding success. He particularly expressed his gratitude to Jamshoro Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Shaheed Benazirabad Chamber of Commerce, Dadu Chamber of Commerce, Larkana Chamber of Commerce, Kotri Association of Trade & Industry, Nooriabad Executive Club and Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade & Industry for their unwavering support and solidarity in this movement. President Memon also thanked all the market unions and associations across Hyderabad who fully participated in the strike. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
President HCSTSI slams HW&SC for worsening water crisis
HYDERABAD: President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI) Muhammad Saleem Memon has strongly expressed his concerns over the worsening water crisis in Hyderabad, stating that the Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation (HW&SC) has completely failed in fulfilling its fundamental responsibilities. The recent spell of monsoon rains left the city paralyzed, as the entire drainage system collapsed. Just as the residents began to recover from the stagnant floodwaters, a severe shortage of clean water supply gripped the city, pushing the situation into deeper distress. In many areas, water is either unavailable or being supplied in a foul, unhygienic and hazardous condition. President Saleem Memon remarked, this institution has not only failed to provide a basic necessity like clean water, but has also become a serious threat to public health, daily life and business continuity. The performance of HW&SC has become a major question mark for the Sindh government. He added that a historic and populous city like Hyderabad requires around 650 to 670 million gallons of water daily, whereas HW&SC is supplying less than half that amount. Alarmingly, an estimated 20 million gallons of water is lost every day due to outdated, leaking and rusted pipelines. Most of the filtration and chlorination plants are non-functional, resulting in untreated water being pumped into homes and commercial areas. President Memon further stated that numerous meetings under the supervision of the Commissioner Hyderabad had been held to improve HW&SC performance. Committees were formed and proposals from HCSTSI were submitted, but sadly, no progress or action has been taken. This raises the serious concern that either the institution is being intentionally allowed to fail, or the Sindh government has completely lost interest in providing essential civic services to the people of Hyderabad. He stated that due to the incompetence of the corporation and the lack of water supply, the tanker mafia is also gaining a strong foothold in Hyderabad the second-largest city in Sindh. He urged immediate action to curb this menace and to ensure water supply through a proper system. Otherwise, he warned, the residents of Hyderabad should brace themselves for a water crisis similar to that of Karachi. President HCSTSI made a firm demand to the Sindh government: There is no justification left to continue running this organization under government control. We believe it is high time to privatize HW&SC. If managed by a dedicated and professionally competent team, this institution has the potential to become not only profitable but also a provider of top quality services within a year. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI irked by meagre allocation for Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway
HYDERABAD: The office-bearers of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI) regretted that the federal allocated a mere Rs 15 billion in the 2025–26 PSDP for the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) a strategic infrastructure project with a total estimated cost of over Rs 400 billion. They noted that at this pace, the project may not be completed even in the next decade. Such a symbolic and insufficient allocation reflects a serious lack of commitment and is tantamount to an injustice against Sindh and its vital role in Pakistan's trade and connectivity. The business community categorically rejects this approach and demands immediate and substantial funding to expedite the project. They said that although both governments have emphasised developmental objectives, digital reforms, and increased social sector allocations, there is a glaring lack of practical relief and structural support for small traders, manufacturers, and the broader business community. President HCSTSI Saleem Memon stated that initiatives like the SME Policy 2024–27, digital reforms in the FBR, the introduction of an automated refund system, and faceless audits are commendable steps. However, without timely and effective implementation, these initiatives may remain merely on paper. He cautioned that the imposition of new taxes on Cash on Delivery (COD), Digital Services and Digital Presence could severely impact small and emerging online businesses that are still in their nascent stages. Senior Vice President Ahmed Idrees Chohan pointed out the rise in withholding tax rates would further escalate the operational costs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, the federal budget failed to announce any relief in industrial electricity tariffs, time-of-use rates, or subsidies for SMEs, which is a significant shortcoming considering the ongoing energy cost burden. Vice President Shan Sehgal expressed concern over the increase in carbon levy, particularly the hike from 2.5% to 5% on furnace oil, stating that many small industries are still in transition and not yet fully equipped with renewable energy alternatives such as solar systems. This would further inflate production costs and hinder their competitiveness. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
29-05-2025
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI-Hyderabad Police's liaison termed vital for peace
HYDERABAD: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Hyderabad, Adeel Hussain Chandio has said the guidance and recommendations of the business community not only help the police but also enable other provincial institutions to improve their functioning in an effective manner. He remarked that 'Hyderabad is the face of Sindh and resolving the issues of the public and traders has always remained among the top priorities of the police.' Speaking on the concerns raised by President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI) Saleem Memon, through a formal memorandum, SSP highlighted that the Safe City Project is a comprehensive and major initiative, and a detailed survey in this regard has already been completed. He added that the Madadgar-15 office is operational in Latifabad, while the Talash mobile application is also functional in Hyderabad and urged the business community to make active use of it. Acknowledging the shortage of police personnel in Hyderabad, SSP stated that despite limited manpower, the department is making earnest efforts to curb criminal activities. He further informed that over 550 new personnel have recently been recruited, and efforts are underway to have them join by June. 'Out of these, more than 150 officers will be trained for the Rapid Response Force (RRF).' He emphasized the importance of public awareness about the PECA law, designed to curb misuse of social media, and also urged parents to play a proactive role alongside police to help control one-wheeling incidents. He appreciated the Chamber's proposal for more driving licence branches and assured that he would take up the matter with the IGP Sindh. Referring to the increasing number of beggars in the city, he said that many of them are not genuinely needy and appropriate action would be initiated. SSP Adeel Chandio welcomed the idea of introducing a Community Policing System and a Crowd Management Unit, assuring that steps would soon be taken in that direction. He reaffirmed the strong liaison between HCSTSI and the Hyderabad Police, which he said is vital for maintaining peace and improving law enforcement. Earlier, HCSTSI President Saleem Memon, while addressing the session, appreciated SSP Chandio's strict measures against narcotics and recommended organizing open courts for public redressal. He highlighted that during the tenure of former SSP Sajid Sadozai, the police force was increased to 800, which was later raised to 1,600 by SSP Farrukh Lanjar and has now reached 2,000. However, further increase is necessary to meet growing challenges. He noted that over 550 personnel are deployed for VIP security alone. He emphasized that five out of the 28 police stations operate out of properties owned by other departments and must be transferred under police ownership. Issues surrounding the police property at Al-Rahim Shopping Centre should also be permanently resolved. Furthermore, he demanded the establishment of driving licence branches in Latifabad and the main city, and suggested the media cell be supervised by a CSS officer. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI says concerned at FBR's ‘excessive' powers
HYDERABAD: President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Saleem Memon, has expressed grave concern over the excessive, unilateral and unbalanced powers granted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through the SRO and Ordinance issued on May 2, 2025. He stated that these amendments, although introduced under the guise of improving tax collection, could in reality open a new chapter of harassment and uncertainty for Pakistan's business community. The changes stand in contradiction to the principles of justice, due process, and economic freedom. Chamber President Saleem Memon pointed out that under the newly inserted Sections 138(3A) and 140(6A) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, if a matter is adjudicated by a higher court, the tax liability will become immediately enforceable. FBR will then have the authority to freeze bank accounts and recover the dues without prior notice or legal proceedings. This is an alarming provision that undermines the constitutional and legal rights of taxpayers, depriving them of the opportunity to defend, appeal, or clarify violating fundamental principles of natural justice. He further highlighted that Section 175C grants FBR or the Chief Commissioner the authority to deploy officers at any business premises, including shops or factories, to monitor the production of goods, services, or stock. This, he stated, is a form of coercion and interference in business operations. The physical presence of tax officers will not only create a hostile environment but will also instil fear and mistrust among entrepreneurs, ultimately disrupting routine commercial activities. Expressing reservations about the amendments to the Federal Excise Act, 2005, Saleem Memon noted that while the criminalization of counterfeit stamps, barcodes, and labels may be justified in principle, it must also be recognized that in many cases, such errors can be unintentional caused by technical glitches, printing issues, or logistical challenges. Such unintended mistakes could easily be misused by officials as grounds for excessive action and harassment. The HCSTSI president also criticized the manner in which these sweeping changes were introduced. He lamented that the amendments were enforced immediately through Ordinance without parliamentary debate, stakeholder consultation, or committee review. This lack of democratic process and transparency is deeply disappointing and detrimental to the trust between the government and the business community. In light of these developments, Muhammad Saleem Memon made a strong appeal to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Federal Minister of Finance, and the Chairman of FBR to immediately review these amendments and establish clear guidelines to restrict the misuse of authority by FBR officials. He proposed the following key measures to restore balance and fairness: A minimum 15-day written notice must be mandatory before freezing any bank account to give the taxpayer an opportunity to clarify or respond. Deployment of tax officers in business premises should be subject to judicial approval to prevent arbitrary actions. An independent grievance redressal cell must be established to address business community complaints in a timely and transparent manner. No new regulations should be implemented without the prior consultation of stakeholders, particularly representatives of small traders and industries. He alarmed that ignoring the legitimate concerns of the business sector will severely erode confidence across the country, damaging not only the economic environment but also the government's own revenue collection targets. He added that instead of burdening existing taxpayers, the government should focus on expanding the tax net to include untaxed segments of the economy. Chamber President concluded by urging the federal government to reconsider these amendments urgently and revive the consultation process with the business community to build a fair, transparent and progressive economic environment in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
