Karachi, In an unprecedented move to accommodate the renewal of memberships, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has extended its office hours and will remain open this weekend, including Sunday. The acting President of KCCI, Altaf A. Ghaffar, announced that the office would operate from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 30, and Sunday, March 31. Additionally, office hours will be from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday, March 29, 2024.

According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this decision comes as the deadline for membership renewal approaches on March 31, which falls on a Sunday this year. Altaf Ghaffar urged all members to renew their memberships promptly to avoid any potential inconvenience. The KCCI has informed its members of the impending expiry of their memberships on March 31, 2024, through various means, including letters, emails, and SMS. Members are required to renew their memberships by this date by submitting the necessary fees along with proof of the filing of their latest income tax and sales tax returns, if applicable.

For the first time, KCCI has facilitated the renewal process by setting up a Faysal Bank Cash Counter within its premises, allowing members to easily pay their renewal fees in a hassle-free environment. Ghaffar highlighted the importance of timely renewal, noting that failure to do so would result in automatic cessation of membership. Affected individuals would then need to undergo the entire readmission process to regain membership.

KCCI has provided multiple avenues for payment of the renewal fees, including online banking, bank challan at specified banks, the Upaisa App, or pay orders submitted at KCCI. The payment receipt, along with income tax returns, must be sent to KCCI. The chamber has also been proactive in issuing membership cards and certificates, which are essential for various purposes. Members who have not received their payment challan are advised to contact the membership department during office hours for assistance.