Lahore
The Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) has welcomed the federal government’s recent decision to reduce electricity tariffs for industries, terming it a positive step toward easing cost pressures and reviving manufacturing activity.
However, PFC leadership stressed that deeper and broader reductions in energy tariffs of all kinds are essential to restore competitiveness and unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s furniture and allied sectors.
PFC Director Shahbaz Aslam said the government’s move to cut power tariffs for industries has sent a much-needed positive signal to manufacturers who have been struggling with soaring production costs over the past several years.
He noted that energy expenses constitute a significant portion of the cost structure for the furniture industry, particularly for units involved in wood processing, finishing, seasoning, and value-added manufacturing. According to him, any meaningful relief in electricity prices directly improves margins and allows businesses to plan expansion and modernisation.
Shahbaz Aslam endorsed the government’s broader reform agenda aimed at stabilising the economy and supporting export-oriented industries, stating that such measures are crucial for rebuilding business confidence. He said the reduction in electricity tariffs, coupled with easing inflation and improved macroeconomic indicators, has created cautious optimism within the furniture sector.
The PFC director called on the government to further reduce electricity, gas, and fuel tariffs across the board, arguing that selective or limited relief cannot deliver sustainable results. He said industries like furniture manufacturing, which rely on continuous power supply and energy-intensive processes, need regionally competitive energy rates to survive and grow.
Shahbaz Aslam also highlighted the export potential of Pakistan’s furniture industry, noting that with the right policy support, the sector can earn valuable foreign exchange and create large-scale employment.
He said Pakistan has abundant raw material, skilled craftsmanship, and a growing design base, but high input costs remain a major barrier to tapping international markets. Lower energy tariffs, he added, would enable manufacturers to price their products more competitively and invest in modern machinery and design innovation.
