BoI Minister Voices Frustration Over Unresolved Business Community Concerns

Federal Minister for the Board of Investment (BoI) Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh has criticised the government for not addressing ongoing problems faced by the business community. He made these comments on Sunday during the launch of the Businessmen Group’s (BMG) election campaign at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Speaking at a reception hosted by BMG to present its 30 candidates for the upcoming KCCI elections, Shaikh said he is an elected representative of the business community in the National Assembly but has not received government support in resolving critical issues at the Cabinet level.

Shaikh stated, “I have written several letters to PM Shehbaz over the past two and a half years, seeking an appointment to meet and brief him on the business community’s issues.” Despite his position, Shaikh said he has not been able to meet the Prime Minister. He questioned, “If a federal minister cannot meet the prime minister for two and a half years, then how will he be accessible to the country’s business community, and how will the community be able to call on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman?”

He also pointed out violations of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules at Port Qasim, noting that he had informed the Prime Minister about this matter as well.

At the same event, BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala introduced a slate of 30 candidates who will compete in the KCCI elections scheduled for Saturday, September 26. The elected office-bearers and committee members will serve two-year terms from 2026 to 2028.

Motiwala emphasised the ongoing efforts to advocate for Karachi, describing the city as an economic hub that remains overlooked by policymakers. He highlighted that Karachi contributes 55% of Pakistan’s export earnings and generates 67% of the country’s tax revenue. “If the city gets due attention, it has huge potential to increase its contribution to economic activities,” he added.

BMG Vice Chairman Anjum Nisar also commented on the state of the national economy, saying export earnings have been stagnant over the past two decades, having increased only slightly to $30 billion in fiscal year 2026, compared to $26 billion 18 years ago.