PESHAWAR
The president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Hasnain Khurshid Ahmad on Tuesday termed the suspension of gas supply to industries and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations unlawful and violation of the article 158-A of the constitution of Pakistan.
He expressed these views during a meeting of the executive committee of SCCI.
Hasnain Khurshid Ahmad said that suspension of GAS was a contempt of court on the government’s part, demanding restoration of gas supply CNG stations immediately.
The meeting also criticized the federal government’s proposed mini-budget, adding that exemption of tax worth Rs343 billion would create more hurdles for the business community as well as the poor section of society.
Traders described the introduction of the Point of Sale (POS) system as tantamount to creating division between business communities, which should be abolished immediately.
SCCI also strongly opposed Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA) in Electricity Bills, and urged the apex court to take action against it and provide relief to masses.
The participants asked the government to introduce business-friendly policies to facilitate the business community instead of further adding to their problems on different pretexts.
Riaz Arshad while addressing the forum, informed POS system has been implemented since July 2020, which is clear reflection of division between the traders’ community. He added that prices of necessary items would further escalate after collection of additional taxes through this system.
The SCCI former president suggested the launch of an advertisement campaign, writing of letters to departments concerned as well as approaching the superior court against the POS system, on which the house was fully agreed.
The representatives of the committee on the occasion decided to initiate a process of contacting relevant authorities for raising the concerns of the business community.
