Interview with Faheemur Rehman Saighol: Transforming Pakistan’s Trade and Industry LCCI President-Elect 2025 | Chairman, Karachi Port Trust (KPT)
By M Qadeer
Q: Congratulations on your clean sweep in the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) elections and appointment as KPT Chairman. How do you feel about these milestones?
Faheemur Rehman Saighol: Thank you. It’s an honour and a tremendous responsibility. Winning the LCCI elections without forming traditional alliances, especially with the Founders Group, is a historic moment. It represents the trust of the business community of Lahore in our vision for transparent, inclusive, and development-focused leadership. My appointment as KPT Chairman is another opportunity to address the challenges in Pakistan’s maritime sector and drive economic growth.
Q: Your victory marks the end of dominance by various groups in LCCI politics. How did you achieve this?
Saighol: This victory wasn’t about breaking traditions but about redefining them. For decades, business politics was dominated by personal and vested interests. Under the leadership of Mian Anjum Nisar, we campaigned on a platform of inclusivity, merit, and development. By addressing the concerns of smaller traders and focusing on collective goals, we gained the trust of a diverse segment of the business community.
Q: What are your priorities as the LCCI President-Elect for 2025?
Saighol: My focus will be on fostering innovation, reducing the cost of doing business, and improving Pakistan’s connectivity with global markets. Specifically, we’ll address taxation issues with the FBR, streamline trade policies, and explore opportunities in IT and human resource development. I also aim to redefine the role of chambers in policy-making to ensure they actively contribute to national trade strategies.
Q: As KPT Chairman, what changes are you implementing to enhance Pakistan’s maritime potential?
Saighol: Pakistan’s sea ports have untapped potential that can drive international trade. My immediate plan is to initiate operations for 20,000 containers fleet arrival at Karachi Port, significantly improving our trade capacity. We’re also addressing long-standing issues like undue demurrage and detention charges, which have escalated business costs. Additionally, I aim to improve the tendering process to ensure transparency and attract investments.
Q: What role do you see for Karachi Port in Pakistan’s connectivity with Central Asia?
Saighol: Karachi Port Trust can be a gateway for trade with Central Asia. By improving infrastructure and logistics, we can position Pakistan as a key transit hub. Our proximity to Central Asia and strategic location gives us a competitive edge. To achieve this, we need to modernize port operations and reduce inefficiencies.
Q: You mentioned a tenfold increase in KPT revenues, from Rs2 billion last year to Rs 10 billion this year. How will you achieve this?
Saighol: The key lies in increasing operational efficiency, expanding port capacity, and fostering partnerships with global shipping lines. By addressing bottlenecks and ensuring transparency in processes, we can attract more business to KPT. Strategic investments in infrastructure and technology will also play a critical role.
Q: What are your views on the current state of Pakistan’s trade and industry policies?
Saighol: Unfortunately, we haven’t fully defined the role of chambers in policy-making. This has left a gap between government initiatives and the needs of the business community. My goal is to bridge this gap by ensuring chambers like the LCCI actively participate in formulating trade policies. The government must also recognize the private sector as a key driver of economic growth.
Q: How do you plan to leverage Pakistan’s unexplored IT and human resources?
Saighol: Pakistan’s IT sector and human resources hold immense potential. We need to invest in skills development, foster innovation, and create platforms for global IT partnerships. This will not only boost exports but also create jobs and improve living standards.
Q: What is your message to the business community?
Saighol: My message is simple: Pakistan’s economic future depends on unity, innovation, and resilience. We must work together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. I assure the business community that I will leave no stone unturned in addressing their concerns and driving development. Let’s build a prosperous Pakistan together.
