Islamabad: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) leaders have issued an urgent plea for an emergency declaration in Karachi as torrential monsoon rains cripple the metropolis, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala and KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani expressed profound concern over the worsening crisis, lamenting the city’s neglected infrastructure despite its significant economic contributions.
They highlighted a previous warning issued to Sindh government officials in April, urging timely cleaning of major drains and improvement of the sewerage system. The officials' alleged inaction has now resulted in widespread flooding, claiming 17 lives and severely impacting businesses. Motiwala emphasized that the current situation is the very catastrophe they had predicted.
The KCCI leaders demanded immediate compensation for shopkeepers in small markets who have suffered irreparable losses due to inundated premises and destroyed goods. Motiwala also suggested a freeze on provincial taxes given the widespread destruction. He affirmed the Chamber's commitment to supporting the affected traders.
Industrial zones have also sustained substantial damage, with production halted due to prolonged power outages exceeding 36 hours, impacting both businesses and residences. Motiwala urged deferment of electricity and gas bill payments until normalcy is restored, as commercial endeavors have come to a standstill.
Bilwani noted the record-breaking rainfall, exceeding 250 mm, far surpassing the city’s drainage capacity. He stressed that decisive action is crucial to prevent further suffering. The unprecedented rainfall has forced closures of educational institutions, businesses, and industries, resulting in billions of rupees in losses to both national and provincial economies.
He underscored that timely cleaning of the drains, as recommended by KCCI in April, could have prevented many fatalities. Bilwani advocated for a comprehensive year-round action plan with effective strategies for regular maintenance of sewerage lines and stormwater drains.
He called upon various government bodies, including the Sindh Government, Karachi Municipal Corporation, Pakistan Disaster Management Authority, district administrations, K-Electric, Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, and civic agencies to collaborate under a unified command and launch a continuous operation to clear all major drains immediately. He also urged the deployment of rescue teams, dewatering equipment, and emergency shelters in vulnerable areas, along with public awareness initiatives.
Looking ahead, Motiwala and Bilwani demanded a long-term drainage and flood management blueprint, emphasizing that Karachi cannot endure this recurring preventable calamity. They reiterated that the city's survival and Pakistan's economic lifeline are at stake, as Karachi generates the majority of the nation's revenue.