President Mian Anjum Nisar and vice president Sheikh Sultan Rehman of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) have urged the government to provide gas connection to new industrial units as well as uninterrupted supply of gas to existing industries in order to meet export targets.

They criticised the stoppage of gas to industrial estates of Karachi by Sui Southern Gas Company Ltd, resulting in a serious loss of productivity.

This in turn leads to failure in meeting export orders on time and financial losses to exporters as they have to ship by air to meet the deadlines.

They expressed their displeasure that industrialists of Karachi had to resort to sit-ins on this issue.

They underscored the need to provide basic amenities like water, power and gas so that industrialists can focus their attention on increasing productivity and meeting export targets rather than protesting on the streets.

They urged the government to wholeheartedly support the industry which is facing a very hostile environment and fighting for survival.

"Failure to supply uninterrupted gas will lead to further closure of industry resulting in increased unemployment and serious law and order situation in the near future", they added.