Karachi, August 26, 2023 – Prominent business leaders and representatives from Karachi have made an urgent appeal to the caretaker prime minister to announce the withdrawal of the electricity tariff hike.
The appeal comes ahead of a scheduled meeting on Sunday, August 27, 2023, between the caretaker prime minister and representatives of the Power Sector.
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The Businessmen Group (BMG) and Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) have expressed their strong opposition to the recent substantial increase in electricity tariffs. They argue that this hike is unsustainable and places an unbearable burden on both the general public and businesses, including small industrialists and traders.
In a joint statement, the leaders emphasized their rejection of the current electricity tariff hike, describing it as “unviable.” They appealed to the caretaker prime minister to announce the withdrawal of this substantial tariff increase following the Sunday meeting in Quetta.
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The leaders further emphasized that they are acting in the larger interest of the nation and the economy. They have summoned a meeting of all trade and industrial associations, along with other stakeholders, to discuss future plans of action regarding the electricity tariff issue. However, this meeting, initially scheduled for Monday, has been postponed pending the outcome of the caretaker prime minister’s meeting.
The leaders stated, “We will carry on with our strategies if no relief is provided to the perturbed masses and the business community in PM’s meeting.”
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The business leaders also informed various industrial associations, trade associations, and commercial market representatives, including Site Association of Trade & Industry, Korangi Association of Trade & Industry, North Karachi Association of Trade & Industry, and many others, about the postponement of KCCI’s scheduled Monday meeting on electricity tariffs. This decision was made to allow for a review of the progress and outcome of the caretaker prime minister’s meeting.
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As the issue of electricity tariffs continues to cause concern among businesses and the public, the forthcoming discussions and decisions regarding this matter will be closely monitored for their potential impact on Pakistan’s economy and its citizens.
