Sindh minister vows to address industry concerns

KARACHI: Sindh’s Industries and Commerce Minister Jam Ikramullah Dharejo has pledged to address the grievances of local industries, particularly those related to exorbitant electricity bills.

During a meeting with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Monday, the minister announced the formation of a committee to investigate the overbilling issue.

“We have been receiving the complaints from industrialists of overbilling,” Dharejo said. “I will contact K-Electric (KE), and the committee will look into the complaints of industrialists.”

Dharejo also expressed concerns over the delay in federal development projects in Sindh and plans to discuss the matter with the planning commission next week. The provincial government has committed to supporting the FPCCI’s efforts to renegotiate power purchase agreements with independent power producers (IPPs) to alleviate the burden on the economy, he said.

“The Sindh government has decided to support the FPCCI in its endeavours for the renegotiation and restructuring of contracts with IPPs in the interest of economy and its people,” the minister said. “This is our official stance that IPPs should be engaged to resolve the issue.”

The minister emphasized the importance of industrialization for Sindh and assured the FPCCI of its inclusion in decision-making processes. The government plans to incorporate representatives from various chambers into the Sindh Industrial Board to ensure a more inclusive approach to industrial development.

“Industrialization of Sindh is an integral part of my vision,” Dharejo added. “We willalso give due representation to various chambers in the board for an inclusive approach for the industrialization of the province.”

Acting President of the FPCCI Saquib Fayyaz Magoon highlighted the challenges faced by the industrial sector due to high electricity tariffs and the exorbitant cost of industrial land. He urged the government to make industrial plots available at affordable rates to encourage new investments.The FPCCI also called for increased representation of Sindh chambers in the Sindh Industrial Board and the development of a comprehensive provincial industrial policy. “The electricity tariff has become the foremost cause of concern for industrialists for being unbearable,” Magoon said.

“Industrial plots in Karachi’s established industrial areas have reached a market tag of Rs300–350 million per acre, and no genuine industrialist is willing to pay that much. The plots should be within Rs20 million per acre,” he added.