ATTOCK, Aug 31: The president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Zubair Ahmed Malik, strongly condemned the increase in electricity tariff (up to 74 per cent) and termed it ‘a murder of trade and industry in Pakistan’.

Additionally, he criticised the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR’s) access to the bank accounts of the general public.

He expressed his views while addressing the Attock Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI) in which a large number of traders, and political and social figures participated.

Vice president of Saarc CCI Iftikhar Ali Malik, President Islamabad CCI Zafar Bakhtawari, former district nazim Attock Tahir Sadik Khan and President ACCI Dr Khalid Saeed Khan were also present on the occasion.

Mr Zubair Malik said the industry was already facing severe crises due to deteriorating security, increased taxes and lack of gas, and the increase in tariff would result in a surge in prices of various products. This would lead to inflation and increase unemployment, he said.

Domestic users

The FPCCI president said domestic consumers would also be affected by the increased tariff.

“Electricity distribution companies have installed multi-tariff meters whereby commercial rates would be charged during peak hours,” he said, adding that this would be the last straw for the middle class.

He added that the increase in power tariff was not applicable in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which was a biased attitude of the government.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...