Independence Day Celebrations at KCCI: CM Murad Shah pays tribute to nation’s founders

KARACHI, Aug 13 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, attending the 79th Independence Day celebrations and National Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday, paid a glowing tribute to the founders of Pakistan.

The Sindh CM also reaffirmed unwavering support for the business community in materializing the achievable vision of $100 billion exports; assured consideration of assistance for the affectees of Nesla Tower and underscored the need to reduce energy costs through the effective utilisation of Pakistan’s indigenous resources.

Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, accompanied by Provincial Ministers Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Saeed Ghani and Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, KCCI office-bearers and members of the business community, hoisted the national flag to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day. The participants also joined in singing the national anthem, reaffirming their commitment to the nation’s unity, progress and prosperity.

Addressing the ceremony, attended by Zubair Motiwala, Rehan Hanif and other leaders and members of KCCI and Businessmen Group, the CM extended Independence Day greetings to the nation and praised the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of Karachi’s business community.

“Today, as our national flag soars high, it reminds us not only of our freedom but also of the immense sacrifices, vision and determination that made Pakistan possible,” he said, paying homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the countless individuals who struggled for the creation of an independent homeland.

Highlighting Sindh’s pivotal contribution to the creation of Pakistan, Murad Shah noted that the Sindh Assembly was the first provincial legislature to endorse the Pakistan Resolution, while Karachi had the distinction of serving as the first capital of the newly established state.

Paying tribute to the Armed Forces, Rangers, Police and other law-enforcement agencies, Murad Shah acknowledged their sacrifices in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

He also paid homage to the nation’s martyrs, saying their sacrifices had strengthened the foundations of Pakistan and served as a reminder that freedom and peace must never be taken for granted.

Calling for national unity and collective effort, the Chief Minister urged citizens to renew their commitment to the ideals upon which Pakistan was founded and work towards building a stronger, more prosperous, inclusive and technologically advanced nation.

He highlighted the abundant coal, wind and solar energy resources and urged on their effective utilization to substantially reduce industrial costs and enhance the competitiveness of local industries in regional markets.

Describing Karachi as the economic lifeline of Pakistan, the Chief Minister said the city remained the country’s largest commercial and industrial hub, contributing significantly to national revenue, exports, industrial production and employment generation. The Sindh Government fully recognised the city’s strategic importance and was committed to improving infrastructure, public services and investment opportunities, he added.

Reiterating the Sindh Government’s commitment to economic development, the CM Sindh said the private sector was a strategic partner in progress and its strong collaboration is vital for sustainable growth. He stressed on collective action to face economic challenges, assuring the business community that the Sindh Government would continue to engage with stakeholders to remove bottlenecks, facilitate investment and unlock new growth opportunities.

Responding to a request by KCCI regarding the affectees of Nesla Tower, the Chief Minister assured participants that his government would carefully examine the matter and explore all possible avenues of assistance and support.

He lauded the KCCI for its longstanding contribution to trade, industry, exports and economic development and also appreciated the Chamber’s humanitarian services, particularly its support for businesses and families affected by devastating fires, natural disasters and other emergencies.

Earlier, President KCCI Rehan Hanif, in his welcome address, thanked Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah for his continued support to the business community. He particularly appreciated the Chief Minister’s intervention in facilitating the rehabilitation of the affectees of the Gul Plaza tragedy and requested him to consider extending similar assistance to the affectees of Nesla Tower.

Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala said that KCCI was proudly celebrating the nation’s Independence Day and reaffirmed the business community’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic progress.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for the peace, stability and prosperity of Pakistan, and renewed pledges of national unity and development.

On the sidelines of the Independence Day celebration, the chief minister held a brief meeting with transporters, urged them to end their strike, and invited them to a meeting on Saturday.