By Abdul Rafay Siddiqui
KARACHI: Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), has called on the federal government to extend the recently announced Rs14 per unit reduction in electricity tariffs to Sindh. In a statement issued on Monday, Sheikh highlighted the severe impact of high electricity bills on both the public and the business community in Sindh, particularly in Karachi.
Sheikh urged President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and Federal Minister for Energy Awais Laghari to immediately implement similar relief measures for Sindh. He emphasized that the province, which plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s economy, is experiencing immense hardship due to exorbitant energy costs.
The President of KCCI noted that the cost of doing business in Sindh has surged significantly because of high energy tariffs, compounded by the additional financial burden of water charges, which are comparatively lower in Punjab and other provinces. This has led to dire consequences for residents, including the need to cut back on essential expenses and even withdraw children from schools to manage their finances. “How can a country prosper when its children are taken out of school and people are forced to skip meals to pay electricity bills?” Sheikh questioned, stressing the urgent need for action to address these critical issues.
Sheikh underscored the necessity for a substantial reduction in electricity tariffs for Sindh to alleviate the severe financial strain on its residents and businesses. He pointed out the significant economic contribution of Karachi and expressed hope that the federal government would promptly address the issue and provide the much-needed relief.
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