KARACHI: President of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) Faraz-ur-Rehman has urged the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to withdraw the decision to increase gas prices, and end the lavish spending of government officials and the VVIP culture.

He rejected the hike in gas prices by up to 124 percent by the federal cabinet. He said that the increase is not acceptable; the government should provide facilities to the industries during this economic crisis so that the economy can run smoothly. He said unfortunately, the government is increasing the difficulties of the distressed industries on the conditions of the IMF.

President KATI said that the increase in gas prices will further increase the cost of production, which will further increase inflation.

Faraz-ur-Rehman said that if the government wanted to collect Rs 310 billion, different means could have been used for it.

He said that if the government and its officers’ royal expenses and VVIP culture are eliminated, double the amount can be saved.

President KATI said that it is clear that the government is not ready to reduce its extra expenditures and wants to increase the burden on the existing taxpayers to meet the IMF conditions.

He said that the government is also failing to increase the tax net due to which the burden on the existing taxpayers is becoming unbearable.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023