Lahore, Nov 05 (Online): The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Association Front (PIAF) Chairman Mian Nauman Kabir has welcomed the termination of discriminatory peak-hour tariff system for commercial electricity users, with provision of uniform electricity rates round the clock, stating the overall energy relief package will promote trade and industry in the country that had suffered losses in the past due to high cost of electricity.
In a joint statement with vice chairman Javed Siddiqi he observed that electricity rates are high in Pakistan and it is for the first time that power rates have been reduced. He said the decision would help boost economic growth, strengthen industry, increase exports, and create employment opportunities.
Earlier, the industry was being charged the electricity tariffs on peak rates between 7pm to 11pm now if any industry has B1, B2 and B3 connections, it would get 50 percent relaxation on additional units.
Mian Nauman Kabir said that in view of boosting the production, it was vital to reduce the power price and eliminate the peak hours’ tariff system.
He added that the new relief package would help to expand employment opportunities, besides lifting economic activities in the country.
Pakistan’s exports have become expensive as compared to the regional and other competitors. The discounted power rates would provide a breather to the export sectors and indicate that the economy has now been moving towards the positive trend, he added.
Mian Nauman Kabir said that a strong infrastructure of energy was vital to help industries grow and compete with international market. He pointed that with 25 percent expensive electricity rates, Pakistan lagged behind India and Bangladesh in terms of exports.
