FAISALABD: More than 550 textile processing and export-oriented units in Faisalabad Region remained closed for 15th consecutive day, while CNG stations remained closed since last week.

Hundred rickshaw drivers took out a procession against the federal government as a mark of protest against the non-availability of Gas at CNG stations since last week. They blocked traffic at various link roads by parking hundred rickshaws in the middle of the road. Civil society members also join the procession demanding gas for their homes.

Addressing the protest meeting on road, the leaders of rickshaw drivers stated that most of the CNG stations remained closed even on the seventh day (Sunday), following consecutive six-day holidays under gas load management programme.

SNGPL had kept the CNG stations closed for consecutive six-days for ensuring as they said uninterrupted supply of gas to the domestic customers, while on the seventh day on Sunday the CNG stations were required to re-open for 24 hours. But contrary to the expectations, most of the CNG outlet owners preferred not to re-open their outlets for what they say, non-viability of the business in the prevailing circumstances.

They also mentioned that the gas not found in Pipelines.

Furthermore, long queue of vehicles was seen at few CNG stations, which were open.

Motorists and vehicle owners stated that they could not afford to run their automobiles on petrol and forced to go through the ordeals in their efforts to get their CNG cylinders filled.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference at Faisalabad Press Club, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf leaders, Shehzad Younas Sheikh, Sheikh Khurram Zafar and others announced to launch protest movement from December 31 against prolonged load shedding of electricity and Gas for industries.  

Address a protest meeting of loom owners, Rana Ikhlaq Ahmad, Chairman, All Pakistan Cotton Powerlooms Association, said that Powerloom sector was badly affecting due to load shedding of electricity and Gas.