The industrialists’ community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has termed the recent increase in gas and electricity tariffs and the collection of fixed charges as unconstitutional and unfair. They urged the government to withdraw its decision to save the industry from further destruction, which had been adversely affected by terrorism and the Corona pandemic lockdown.
The manufacturers demanded that property tax exemptions be extended until the formation of the next government. They also demanded to keep in view the current economic, business and industrial slowdown. The industrialists also emphasized the need to ensure timely provision of all financial resources from the approved heads and a dedicated police station in Hayatabad Industrial Estate, Peshawar.
According to a press release, a delegation of industrialists headed by the president of the Industrialists’ Association Peshawar, Ayub Zakori, held a meeting with the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali, at Governor House. The president of the association explained the concerns of the factories’ owners regarding the above-mentioned matters and issues.
On the occasion, Ayub Zakori said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has the first right to utilize its natural resources like gas, electricity, water, etc. under Article 158-A of the Constitution of the country. He lamented that gas and electricity were provided to the people and business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at exorbitant rates. Besides, electricity fixed charges are also collected from them. That is completely contrary to the law and Constitution and tantamount to usurping the constitutional rights of the people of this province, which is unbearable and unacceptable.
The association chief urged the government to withdraw the recent massive increase in gas and electricity prices immediately. It will help the businesses and industries in the province flourish and also generate employment opportunities in the province.
After a detailed discussion, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali said that resolution of all the problems being confronted by the business community and industrialists was vital for the promotion of continuous economic activities. He assured that efforts would be made to resolve all the problems on a priority basis. The Governor agreed to make joint efforts for the immediate solution of the problems of the business community and urged forging unity among the ranks of the traders’ community in this regard.
