SCCI urges govt to withdraw gas tariff hike

PESHAWAR: Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Fuad Ishaq on Wednesday urged the government to withdraw the recent increase in prices of natural gas.

A press release said he made the demand while talking to a delegation of small factory owners headed by Small Industrialists Association Kohat Road Peshawar Wahid Arif Awan. The association senior member and former SCCI president Engineer Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz, office-bearers and owners and representatives of small manufacturing units were present.

Fuad Ishaq also called for reviewing agreements with the Independent Powers Producers (IPPs) and providing electricity to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers at subsidized rates.

Seeking special incentives, he said that schemes should be announced for the business community and investors to attract investment to the province. The SCCI chief demanded the government to take steps to pave the way for trade with Afghanistan, Iran and China in Pakistani rupee and granting status of Most-Favoured Nation to these countries.

Fuad Ishaq said the increase in electricity and gas prices were unfavourable for the economy, business and industrial growth and urged the government to take back its decision and provide relief to the business community by reducing electricity and gas rates.