KARACHI - Patron-in-Chief of Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) Mohsin Sheikhani said on Monday that the Expo-2016 would create a new history in terms of standard and use of modern ideas.
He was addressing a high-level meeting held at ABAD’s office on Expo-2016, which is to be held under the auspices of ABAD from August 12-14, this year, at the Expo Center Karachi. He said ABAD was not the name of a person, but it was continuity of a movement. “Roots of ABAD are spread all over the country,” he said.
He recalled that despite various problems, the Association succeeded in removing moratorium on gas connections to high-rise residential projects for the greater public interest. Sheikhani expressed the optimism that problems regarding the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would also be resolved through negotiations with the Ministry of Finance.
He hoped that the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association would keep the interests of people in mind, and reconsider the prices of cement.
ABAD patron said that a curtain raiser ceremony would be held at the Governor House, Karachi on May 20 to brief people on the Expo-2016.
He said that the second generation of ABAD members was well educated, and was ready to develop construction industry on modern lines.
Speaking on this occasion, ABAD Senior Vice Chairman Arif Jeewa said that the Association had left no stone unturned in providing low-cost houses to the people from low-income groups.
He informed that despite serious law and order situation in Karachi during 2014, presence of dozens of foreign firms and thousands of local people testified that condition of the country could be changed with sincere efforts.
He also congratulated Haris Mithani, convener of Expo Committee, and his team on working hard and introducing a new concept for the exhibition.
Earlier, Mithani briefed the meeting at length on the Association, booking of stalls for the expo, pavilion, security and other related matters.
He said the committee had had in-depth reviews of various international and all local exhibitions, before finalising the Expo- 2016 design.
He further informed that almost all stalls in all the halls had been booked, and still many allied companies were requesting for booking of their stalls.
He said that the ABAD would not out source any services for the expo, and trained guides will be present everywhere in the expo to guide the exhibitors as well as the visitors.
Southern Region Chairman Asif Samsam said that foreign investors were taking keen interest in the construction industry of Pakistan.
He was hopeful that positive changes would be visible in Karachi in near future.
He said the government, law-enforcement agencies and ABAD all were on the same page for the registration and rehabilitation of all slums in Karachi.
He also praised the services of police and Rangers for establishing peace in Karachi.
The meeting was attended by former chairmen and well-known builders of the country.