AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi, January 11, 2013 (PPI-OT): Abdul Rasheed Janmohammed, Acting President of Bin Qasim Association of Trade & Industry (BQATI) addressed to the well-attended extra ordinary general meeting (EOGM) of BQATI held at BQATI Secretariat at Port Qasim Industrial Zone, Karachi.
He said that the natural gas provided by the SSGC is the major source of energy for industries. In the past we have done our best to respond positively and responsibly to SSGC requests of cut down in consumption in view of larger interest of the country. The situation, unfortunately, has worsened, the commercial and industrial hub of the country is experiencing one of the worst gas crises in its history as the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) carries out Saturday and Sunday gas shutdown for industries. This is not only causing hardship to the daily wage workers but also threatening the closure of various large, small and medium industrial units.
All the industrial units operating on gas or generating their own power by using gas remained closed in the seven industrial estates of the city on Saturday owing to non- availability of gas. He said that the country would suffer irreparable losses if the government fails to persuade the SSGC to desist from carrying out gas supply suspension in the industrial areas of the city.
He said that the industrial units are also facing a gas pressure problem, deficient gas pressure is causing further production losses to industries which were already besieged by the law & order crisis in the city. All this is translating into surmounting financial losses and threatening the survival of many industries.
BQATI stressed over the need that the gas pressure be restored immediately in the larger interest of deteriorating local as well as national economy and measures be taken to ensure consistent supply throughout the week to keep our industries running.
Mian Muhammed Patron In-chief briefed that the BQATI enjoys a very cordial and supportive relationship with PQA, which is mutually beneficial to both entities and contributes positively to the overall economic activity of the region. In fact, the role of the industries located at Port Qasim Industrial Zones and that of PQA in the economic growth of the country cannot be overstated.
On the occasion Bin Qasim Association of Trade & Industry (BQATI) has appealed to Chairman Port Qasim Authority to help the industries situated in PQA by withdrawing water tariff increased by Port Qasim Authority and appealed to rationalize its water tariff along with conservancy charges.
Mian Muhammed Patron In-chief also briefed that the BQATI is actively pursuing to implement effective security measures for Bin Qasim Industrial Zones, in collaboration with the PQA, Pakistan Rangers, Police, and CPLC. These measures include setting up of security check posts at key locations, establishing Security Command & Control Centre in the three zones of Bin Qasim Area where Rangers, CPLC and Private Security personnel will be deployed, establishing of CCTV cameras including other communication networks and comprehensive patrolling of entire zone.
Shakil Ashfaq, Acting Vice President, BQATI thanked and welcomed all BQATI members who attended the EOGM meeting, hoped that the BQATI along with its stakeholder will work together to achieve the BQATI objectives and goals to create a business friendly industrial zone, Naveed Shakoor Chairman Law & Order Advisory sub Committee also spoke at the meeting.
For more information, contact:
Bin Qasim Association of Trade & Industry (BQATI)
Old MCB Building, Near Chairman Secretariat,
inside port Qasim Area, Port Qasim Authority,
Port Qasim, Karachi 75020 Pakistan
Tel: +9221 3473 0111
Fax: +9221 3520 6870
Email: info@bqati.com.pk
Web: www.bqati.com.pk