Syed Tabish
Karachi: The 21st My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition concluded at the Karachi Expo Centre on Sunday, with provincial and business leaders describing the annual event as a symbol of the city’s resilience, economic strength and continued public confidence despite ongoing challenges.
Addressing a press conference at the close of the three-day exhibition, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah termed the event one of Karachi’s most significant and consistently organised trade fairs, attracting large crowds and promoting local industry.
Organisers said the exhibition offered discounts of 20 to 40 per cent on a wide range of products, providing relief to consumers amid inflationary pressures. While overall footfall was slightly lower than previous editions, participation picked up strongly on the second day, with families and buyers visiting stalls showcasing Pakistani goods.
Senior representatives of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), including Businessmen Group Chairman Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairmen Jawed Bilwani and Tariq Yousuf, President Rehan Hanif and other officials, along with diplomats from friendly countries, attended the closing ceremony.
Trade continuity and business confidence
The chief minister praised KCCI for holding the exhibition regularly despite economic and administrative challenges, calling its continuity a reflection of Karachi’s business community and the city’s enduring commercial vitality.
He also acknowledged the chamber’s coordination with the provincial government in assisting traders affected by the recent Gul Plaza fire, saying compensation efforts were under way.
Shah urged political stakeholders to avoid strikes and disruptions that could hamper economic activity, stressing that sustained trade and industry were critical for recovery.
“Our priority should be to keep business and industrial activity moving,” he said.
Civic services and infrastructure
Responding to questions, the chief minister said improvements were planned for Karachi’s fire and rescue services through better coordination and equipment. On the long-delayed K-IV water supply project, he noted that augmentation works worth around Rs80 billion were being arranged to ease water shortages, while the main line remains a federal responsibility.
He reiterated that initiatives such as My Karachi play a vital role in promoting economic activity, cultural diversity and social harmony across Sindh.
Governor calls Karachi backbone of economy
A day earlier, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori also addressed the exhibition, describing Karachi as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. He said the city contributes a major share of national exports and tax revenues and therefore deserves priority attention in development planning.
Highlighting civic concerns, he pointed to deteriorating infrastructure, utility shortages and recurring industrial incidents, urging coordinated efforts to address the city’s long-standing problems. He welcomed the government and KCCI’s response to the Gul Plaza fire and said compensation payments had begun.
The governor invited traders and industrialists to directly share their concerns and vowed action against extortion and other issues affecting businesses.
Business leaders said the exhibition, first launched in 2004, has evolved into one of Pakistan’s largest public trade and cultural platforms, aimed at projecting a positive image of Karachi while boosting sales for local manufacturers.
With hundreds of stalls, cultural activities and family attractions, the event once again drew thousands of visitors, reinforcing its role as a key fixture in the city’s annual commercial calendar.
