Heavy Rains Hit Industrial and Business Activities in Karachi

Heavy rains and urban flooding have severely impacted industrial and business activities across Karachi, paralyzing domestic production and export consignments. The torrential rains have caused significant losses to industrialists and businessmen, while also damaging infrastructure and drainage systems. Utilities, including telecommunication, internet, and electricity, have been suspended in various industries, commercial areas, and SMEs, according to representatives of the business community. President of the Federal B Areas Association of Trade and Industries (FBATI), Shaikh Muhammad Tehseen, stated that heavy rains have paralyzed industrial and business activities in multiple industrial and commercial areas, which are yet to be restored. He highlighted that many industrial units, particularly SMEs located in low-lying areas, were inundated with rain and sewage water, damaging goods stored in warehouses and factories. Additionally, many industrial units have been unable to continue production and trading activities over the past few days. Laborers from unaffected areas have also been unable to reach work due to the unavailability of public transport. Shaikh Muhammad Tehseen urged the government and the business community to collaborate on a rescue and emergency plan to address issues related to heavy rains and urban flooding. He emphasized that such crises not only slow down economic activities but also cost the lives of workers and citizens. President of the SITE Superhighway Association of Industries (SSHAI), Masood Pervaiz, reported that rainwater remains stranded in major industrial areas, highways, and main roads, causing delays in the transportation of goods and raw materials within the city. He expressed concerns that industrial production and logistics may take up to a week to return to normal, particularly in areas severely affected by the heavy rains. Masood Pervaiz also remarked that the collapse of infrastructure and communication systems tarnishes the image of Karachi, a city with immense potential to attract local and foreign investment in various sectors. He appealed to the government to invest in infrastructure to prevent the suspension of business and economic activities in the future. He also suggested forming a task force in coordination with industrial zones to maintain routine economic activities during emergencies. President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, expressed deep concerns over the worsening monsoon crisis in Karachi. He lamented that torrential rains have wreaked havoc across the city, plunging every corner of the metropolis into chaos and imposing unbearable hardships on its citizens. Despite being the country’s economic engine, contributing massively to the national exchequer and feeding the entire nation, Karachi continues to suffer from neglect and discrimination, with only a meager amount reinvested into improving the city’s crumbling infrastructure. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, he appealed to the Sindh Government to immediately compensate shopkeepers in small markets across Karachi, whose premises were inundated and goods destroyed beyond recovery. He also advised the Chief Minister of Sindh to freeze all provincial taxes in light of the widespread devastation. “Industrial zones, too, have sustained massive damage, with production brought to a standstill as the electricity supply by K-Electric has remained suspended for more than 36 hours. Residential areas are facing the same ordeal, with repeated power supply tripping since the very first drop of rain, leaving citizens and businesses helpless in the midst of this crisis,” he said. Jawed Bilwani further suggested deferring electricity and gas bill payments until the situation normalizes, as business activities across Karachi have virtually come to a standstill. He emphasized that traders are in no position to bear additional financial burdens during the ongoing crisis.