ICCI demands deferment of utility bills

Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to defer the receipt of utility bills from business community for few months in order to save the businesses from default. It further said that businesses were struggling for survival in the prevailing conditions and government should allow them to pay monthly utility bills in three instalments after the expiry of deferment period.

Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that due to coronavirus issue, business activities have almost come to a halt and businesses were facing threat of closure. He said that manufacturing activities have reached shut down level and manufactured goods were waiting for buyers with no good prospect in near future.

He said in these circumstances, it has become difficult for businesses to meet their day-to-day expenses and pay the wages to idle labour. He said deferring the receipt of utility bills from businesses for few months would provide them some relief.

ICCI President said that energy cost in Pakistan was very high that has pushed up the cost of doing business manifold. This situation has made it difficult for industry to remain competitive and meet domestic & international orders. He said that high energy cost has pushed many businesses towards default.

He said that government has announced a stimulus packages for industry, but it might not save many industrial units. He appealed to the Prime Minister Imran Khan to also announce a bailout package, especially for steel industry to save it from destruction. He said that business community was standing with the government in this difficult time and would contribute to save the labour class from unemployment.