President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), Muhammad Saleem Memon, has welcomed the announcement of the “Roshan Economy Concessional Electricity Package” by the Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, terming it a commendable and encouraging decision that reflects the government’s commitment to revive industrial and agricultural growth.
However, he emphasized that for the sustainable survival of industries, protection of employment, and reduction in the cost of doing business,it is essential that the electricity and gas tariffs be reduced to the lowest possible level.
He noted that while the government’s initiative to introduce a concessional rate of Rs 22.98 per unit for additional electricity consumption by industrial and agricultural consumers is a positive beginning, the current rates are still too high to lower production costs.
He further stated that the main causes of expensive electricity in Pakistan are the capacity charges and imbalanced agreements made in the past. Unless these are reviewed and revised, the actual cost of electricity cannot be reduced, making it increasingly difficult to conduct business in the country.
President Saleem Memon remarked that the continuously rising cost of production has severely affected domestic industries and weakened Pakistan’s export competitiveness. Therefore, he urged the government to reduce electricity and gas tariffs to the minimum possible level for industrial consumers and to implement the practical recommendations already submitted by the Hyderabad Chamber and other business bodies.
He stressed that until capacity charges and contractual burdens are rationalized, electricity will remain unaffordable, making it nearly impossible for industries-especially small and medium enterprises-to sustain operations. Hence, the government must prioritize industrial relief to preserve employment and prevent the closure of production units.
Memon further suggested that the government should initially implement concessional rates in industrial areas, where the rate of electricity theft is significantly low. This will not only enhance electricity demand but will also encourage those consumers who have shifted to alternative energy sources to reconnect with the national grid system. Consequently, government revenue will increase, and the unused additional generation capacity of around 7,000 megawatts will be effectively utilized.
He stressed that Pakistan’s energy sector can only become sustainable if the government takes corrective measures to reform the imbalanced agreements made in the past and moves towards a balanced, industry-friendly energy policy.
The President of the Hyderabad Chamber appreciated the Prime Minister, the Federal Minister for Energy, and the economic team for this positive initiative, but underscored that long-term industrial growth depends on further practical relief in energy tariffs, transparent policy measures, and sustainable energy reforms.
He assured that the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry would continue to extend full cooperation to the government in its efforts to build a strong, stable, and productive economy for Pakistan.