Withdrawal of gas and electricity prices demanded

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: Industrialists have termed the recent increase in gas and electricity prices, including collection of fixed charges as unconstitutional and unfair and urged the government to withdraw its decision to safe industries of KP from further destruction, which had adversely affected by the terrorism and coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

The manufacturers demanded the property tax exemption should be extended till the formation of the next government while keeping in view the current economic, business and industrial slowed down.

The industrialists also emphasized to ensure timely provision of all financial resources from the approved a dedicated police station in Hayatabad Industrial Estate Peshawar.

According to a press release issued here on Wednesday, a high-level delegation of industrialists headed by the president of Industrialists Association Peshawar, Ayub Zakori held a meeting with the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali, at the Governor House.

During the meeting, the president of the association explained in detail the concerns of the factory owners regarding these above mentioned matters and issues.

The delegation consisted of former Presidents Riaz Arshad, Malik Niaz Ahmed, and Secretary General Muqtasid Ahsan, Executive members Farhad Asfandyar, Junaid Altaf, Secretary Wasiullah and member Faisal Shah and others.

Ayub Zakori, the association president while speaking during the meeting said that KP has first right to utilize its gas, electricity and other natural resources under Article 158-A of the constitution of the country.

However, he said gas and electricity were provided to people and business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on exorbitant rates, besides electricity fixed charges are also collected from them, which is completely contrary to the above mentioned article of the constitution and tantamount to usurping constitutional rights of the province, which is unbearable and unacceptable.

The IAP chief urged the government to withdraw the recent massive increase in gas and electricity prices immediately so that businesses and industries in the province flourished that would also generate further employment opportunities in the province.

Former Vice President SCCI Junaid Altaf raised the issue and hurdles faced by local pharmaceutical industries in getting registration from the Afghan government for exports of medicine to Afghanistan.

He also requested the governor to honour KPK pharmaceutical association in award distribution ceremony among pharmaceutical industries and health department officials for their services to the sector.

Ayub Zakori also demanded to extend the exemption of property tax till the formation of the next government.

On the occasion, IAP chief also conveyed reservations of business community, especially industrialists regarding issuance of challans as per section 9 of EOBI despite the stay order and the direction of the superior court.

After a detailed discussion, the Governor Haji Ghulam Ali fully said resolution of the problems of the business community and industrialists was essential for the promotion of continuous economic activities.

The Governor assured that efforts would be made to solve problems on priority basis.

Governor Haji Ghulam Ali on this occasion agreed to make joint efforts for the immediate solution of the problems of the business community, however, he emphasized the need for forging unity among the traders community in this regard.