Ghakhar Plaza inferno victims: Iesco announces waiver of power dues

Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has announced to waive off electricity dues of Ghakhar Plaza affectees. Officer Iesco said on Monday that problems of the business community will be resolved on priority basis here.
It was a pressing demand of the business leaders from Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and the Iesco decided to waive off the arrears of the 286 affected shopkeepers of the Ghakhar Plaza, the Iesco Chief Executive said while talking to Ali Raza Saeed Shah, RCCI President and other senior executives of the chamber during his visit to the RCCI.
Senior Vice President Mian Muhammad Ateeq, Vice President Dr Shimail Daud, former presidents, President 'Anjaman-e-Tajran' (Traders Association) Rawalpindi Cantt Sheikh Hafiz, member Executive Committee and renowned businessmen were also present on the occasion.
The Ghakhar Plaza inferno was a big tragedy, which caused huge losses to business community and deprived them of their valuable business spots, he said. Iesco Chief said that it was first and the foremost demand of the RCCI, which was accepted by the government. He announced that all the registered 286 affectees are free from paying any due of the company. He said that promotion of business activities lead to the development of the country's economy. He lauded the role of RCCI for the uplift of business activities in the region.
President RCCI Ali Raza Shah said that energy crisis badly affect the businesses in the country and despite the load shedding electricity prices have been increased to 120 percent during the three years. He suggested that in spite of increasing the electricity prices government must reduce the line losses. The installed capacity is around 14000MW to 1500MW but due to the out dated machinery only 11000MW electricity was being generated, he added.
At least installed capacity must be utilised to reduce load shedding and give relief to business community, Shah said. President RCCI also highlighted the problems faced by the business community, eg, over billing and bad customer services. He thanked the Iesco Chief for waiving off all Iesco dues of the Ghakharr Plaza affectees.