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Karachi(Cliff News)Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday lauded the successful My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition, describing it as a powerful display of resilience and optimism by the people of Karachi and Sindh, who continue to move forward with confidence despite multiple challenges.Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Expo Center to announce closing of 21st My Karachi Exhibition, Murad Ali Shah termed the Exhibition as one of the most important and consistently held events of the year in Karachi.Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG Jawed Bilwani and Tariq Yousuf, President KCCI Rehan Hanif, Vice President Muhammad Arif Lakhni, Chairman Special Committee for My Karachi Exhibition Muhammad Idrees, Former Presidents, Diplomats from friendly countries and KCCI Executive Committee Members were also present on the occasion.CM Murad Ali Shah said that My Karachi Exhibition has become a permanent and much-awaited feature of the city’s annual calendar, attracting millions of visitors every year and offering discounts ranging from 20 to 40 percent, which provide significant relief to citizens amid economic challenges. He noted that although there was a slight reduction in overall footfall compared to previous editions, the second day witnessed strong participation, with a large number of people visiting the exhibition to view and purchase quality Pakistani products.Congratulating KCCI, CM Murad Ali Shah commended them for continuing this mega event without any break, despite various challenges, and stated that such consistency reflects Karachi’s resilience and the business community’s commitment to promoting trade, culture, and harmony.
Referring to recent issues, including the Gul Plaza fire incident, the Chief Minister appreciated KCCI’s prompt and responsible role and acknowledged the close coordination between the Sindh Government and KCCI in carrying out compensation efforts for the affected shopkeepers.Highlighting Karachi’s ongoing activities, CM Sindh said that the city is currently hosting several significant events, including My Karachi Exhibition and Karachi Literature Festival, in addition to the Urs of Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan. He remarked that despite economic, administrative, and law and order challenges, Karachi continues to remain a vibrant city and Sindh a resilient province.While expressing satisfaction that no strike was witnessed in Karachi or elsewhere in Sindh today, he stressed that such disruptions are unaffordable for the province and the country. He urged political parties to adopt a constructive and forward-looking approach, emphasizing that while peaceful protest within the ambit of law is a democratic right, actions that hinder economic activity, trade, and business must be avoided.
“Our country is facing multiple challenges. We must encourage industry, trade, and business activities rather than bringing them to a halt through strikes”, he added.Responding to a question regarding the fire brigade system in Karachi, CM Murad Ali Shah admitted the need for improvement and stated that the Sindh Government plans to bring all fire brigade operations under one umbrella and ensure they are properly equipped to effectively respond to emergencies.Answering another question about the K-IV water supply project, the Chief Minister said that the project had remained stalled for nearly three years. He clarified that the main water line is a federal government responsibility, while augmentation works, estimated to cost around Rs. 80 billion, would be arranged to help overcome Karachi’s water shortage. He expressed confidence that these measures would substantially improve the city’s water supply.The Chief Minister reiterated that despite challenges, Karachi continues to demonstrate resilience, and initiatives like My Karachi Exhibition play a vital role in promoting economic activity, cultural diversity, and social harmony across the province.
