F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Fuad Ishaq urged the government to withdraw the recent unprecedented increase in prices of natural gas to flourish the national economy, businesses and industries and put the country toward sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
The chamber president also called for reviewing agreements with the Independent Powers Producers (IPPs) and providing electricity to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers on subsidized rates.
He sought special incentives and schemes should be announced for the business community and investors to create further investment and employment opportunities in the province.
Fuad Ishaq demanded the allowing trade with Afghanistan, Iran and China in Pakistani rupee and granting status of Most-Favoured Nations (MFNs) to these countries.
He made these demands while addressing a delegation of small factory owners and representtives, which was headed by Small Industrialists Association Kohat Road Peshawar Wahid Arif Awan here at the chamber’s house on Wednesday.
The association senior member and former SCCI president Engr Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz, office bearers and owners and representatives of small manufacturing units were amongst the delegation.
Fuad Ishaq said the increase in electricity and gas prices are unfavorable for the country’s economy, business and industrial growth and urged the government to take back its decision and provide special relief to the business community by reducing electricity and gas rates.
The SCCI chief linked the country’s progress with economic prosperity which can only be made possible by providing facilities and special incentives to the business community.
Mr Ishaq urged the government to initiate steps for provision of electricity to industries on wheeling charges while demanding the elimination of fixed power charges and electricity rates should be charged as per load consumption.
He continued to say that high electricity prices have made it hard for industrialists to run their manufacturing units and closure of industries is generating unemployment in the province.
Commenting on the provincial constitutional rights on natural resources, the SCCI chief stressed that the constitutional right to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that had been given under article 158-A of the constitution of the country should be ensured with true letter and spirit.
Fuad Ishaq informed that SCCI would devise a concrete strategy to take up electricity and gas related issues with relevant government department/ authorities at central and provincial level.
He vowed the chamber will play its effective role in protecting rights of the business community and provision of all facilities and incentives to them.
The chamber president assured that the chamber will make vigorous efforts for attaining funds through Export Development Funds for promotion of small businesses and industries and completion of Expo Centre Peshawar Project.
He said the electricity rates should be charged to all businesses and sectors on equitable grounds.
Fuad Ishaq assured the small industrialists delegation of taking up their issues with relevant authorities in an effective manner.
Earlier, the association president Wahid Arif Awan and Engr Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz raised up issues of small manufacturers during the meeting and also congratulated the newly elected president Fuad Ishaq and senior vice president Sanaullah Khan and expressed hope that they along with rest of the cabinet members will play important role toward resolution of the business community.
