The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has rejected Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited’s (SNGPL) Rs75 billion bills sent to industries. The FPCCI president urged the prime minister and relevant authorities to take immediate notice and warned of shutting down businesses if swift action is not taken.
During a press conference in Lahore, FPCCI Regional Chairman Zain Iftikhar stated that, according to law, bills that have already been paid cannot be charged again. He added that industries are already struggling, and this additional burden is nothing short of injustice.
FPCCI Vice President Zaki Ijaz recalled that they had previously fought and won a battle against the FBR’s tax ordinance. He stressed that now Sui Gas has once again targeted industries, urging the Special Investment Facilitation Council and the prime minister to resolve the issue immediately.
He warned that if the government fails to address their concerns, industries will be forced to take strict measures. He questioned why they should bear the cost of internal disputes between OGRA and Sui Gas when they were never informed about the matter beforehand.
Zaki Ijaz further criticized that all relevant departments seem to be working against the economic policies set to stabilize the country. He demanded transparency and fairness, warning that continued pressure on industries could result in severe economic consequences.
The FPCCI leadership emphasized that the government must protect industrial operations from unjust charges and policy disruptions. They called for urgent intervention to restore business confidence and safeguard the already fragile industrial sector.