North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI) has sought the help of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry ((KCCI) to persuade the government high ups and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to allow industrial units to operate on Sundays.
A NKATI delegation headed by its Acting Chairman Syed Iqtidar called on President KCCI Muhammad Haroon Agar and apprised him of the prevailing problems in operating industrial units at full capacity due to closure of gas on Sundays for industrial consumers, prevailing law and order situation and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) move to increase water tariff.
They said that once the industrial boiler was switched off it took longer time for re-operating and caused production losses as well as problems in meeting the targets of production, exports and supply. The delegation recalled that SSGC made a commitment that if industrialists keep their units closed on Sundays, they would be provided gas from Monday to Saturday with full pressure.
This commitment was not fulfilled and SSGC frequently closing gas supply for industrial consumers on the pretext of low gas supply from gas field or low gas pressure. The delegation also sought KCCI's help for persuading KWSB to drop the move to increase water tariff for industrial consumers.
Taking to Business Recorder, former chairman NKATI, Abdul Rasheed Fooderwala, said that last time when KWSB moved to double tariff for industrial consumers Sindh Governor Dr Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad intervened and resolved the issue after long negotiations. He said that now KWSB once again moved to increase water tariff and added that it was learned the intention was to double the tariff for industries.
KCCI President Muhammad Haroon Agar assured chamber's support to NKATI on all issues and to take them up with relevant authorities. Shamim Firpo, Senior Vice President KCCI, Nasir Mehmood, Vice President KCCI, member Managing Committee KCCI and NKATI representatives Ashar Jamil, Saadullah, Mahmood Rangoonwala, Sajjad Raza, Muhammad Younus, Faraz Mirza, Azam Ali, Tariq Rasheed and Rana Yasin attended the meeting.