The Ministry of Water and Power has strongly reacted to the claim of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) with regard to reduction in power tariff. "We gave comparison of average rates of 2015 and 2014 and not industrial rates of 2013 which the association mentioned in its advertisement. Aptma wants the same rate as that of lifeline consumers and they should register themselves with Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for financial help," said an official requesting anonymity.
He said, the Ministry of Water and Power has claimed that the rates applicable in 2014 have come down in 2015 and if this claim is untrue, the Aptma has the right to criticise the government. "Aptma is comparing its own rates of 2013 with the current rates and not giving comparison of average rates of 2014 with tariff of 2015 for all consumers," he added. The official further stated that the Ministry of Water and Power never said that the rates of textile industry have been brought down, adding that the government claimed that average rates have come down across the board including for the lifeline consumers.
"Electricity bills of textile sector are gradually coming down from 2014 but they are still dissatisfied," the official maintained. The official argued that personal assets, ie, bungalows, cars and factories of textile mill owners are increasing but they are not ready to pay taxes. "They have destroyed the country''''s economy by getting concessions. Pakistan is top cotton growing country in the world. Other countries buy cotton and yarn from Pakistan and compete in the global market but the local industry is unable to compete with regional countries. Perhaps they will compete with neighbouring countries only when exemption is granted from all taxes," he ended sarcastically.