Water theft FIR against NKATI leader sparks FPCCI–Sindh authorities dispute
KARACHI (News Desk): A water theft FIR registered against North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI) leader Faisal Moiz Khan has triggered a strong reaction from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), which has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the case and a high-level inquiry into the matter.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh has described the FIR as baseless and malicious, alleging that it amounts to harassment of the business community and an attempt to intimidate industrialists who raise concerns about civic and infrastructure issues.
According to the FPCCI president, Faisal Moiz Khan has actively highlighted water shortages and leakages in the North Karachi Industrial Area and approached the relevant authorities for their resolution.
Sheikh questioned the registration of a water theft case against an industrial leader who, according to him, had been raising concerns over the area’s water supply problems.
The controversy has brought the relationship between Karachi’s industrial community and public authorities under scrutiny, particularly over the persistent challenges of water supply and basic infrastructure in industrial zones.
FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said industries were already facing high operating costs, utility shortages and difficult economic conditions. He warned that criminal proceedings against trade body representatives could further undermine investor confidence and disrupt industrial activity.
FPCCI Vice President and Regional Chairman Sindh Abdul Mohamin Khan said the business community of Sindh stood behind Faisal Moiz Khan and NKATI, cautioning against what he described as the misuse of authority by utility and law enforcement officials.
The federation has called on the Sindh Chief Minister, the provincial minister for the local government, Inspector General of Police Sindh and Managing Director of Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) to ensure the withdrawal of the FIR.
It has also demanded a transparent, high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding the registration of the case and legal or departmental action against any officials found responsible for misconduct.
FPCCI warned that failure to address the matter could damage the confidence of trade bodies and industrialists, particularly in Sindh.
The allegations made by FPCCI have not been independently established. The FIR’s contents and the responses of the relevant police and water utility authorities were not included in the federation’s press release.