AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Lahore, May 18, 2013 (PPI-OT): Pakistan Industrial and Traders Association Front (PIAF) has strongly criticized the caretaker government for massive increase Rs.5.82 per unit in electricity prices and termed it an anti-industry and anti-masses move.
In a press statement issued here Saturday, Chairman PIAF Malik Tahir Javed said that electricity prices in Pakistan were already higher than the other countries of the region and the new hike would push the crisis-hit industrial sector to the wall.
He said that how Pakistani merchandise would be able win buyers in the international market when their prices would be higher than the same quality goods of other countries.
He said that according to the reports more than 40% electricity was being stolen but instead controlling the theft and the line losses, the authorities were busy in making further increase in electricity prices while it is a proven fact that the raise in the tariff always leads to increase in the incidence of power theft.
He said that the flight of capital had intensified in the recent years only because of flawed government policies especially relating to energy and infrastructure. Had a litten been given to these areas, there could have been no relocation of industrial units to the other countries.
He said that energy was a main source of development and electricity prices were highly correlated to the economic growth and increase in electricity tariff would scuffle trade and industry.
He said that country was facing a huge energy deficit since last few years. Massive loadshedding had crippled the industrial activities, thousands industrial units had closed down or relocated while million industrial workers have lost their jobs but instead of initiating any mega power projects, government remained busy to increase power tariff.
He said that the price increase would badly affect the agriculture sector of Pakistan, which was backbone of our economy and feeding to more than 70% of the population.
Malik Tahir Javed demanded of the caretaker government to withdraw recent increase in electricity prices immediately and avoided to make such a destructive decision.
For more information, Contact:
Khalil-ur-Rehman
Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front
110/s Kot Lakhpat Industrial Estate
Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: (92) 42 5123522
Fax: (92) 42 5123522
Email: Info@piaf.pk