Industrialists decide 2-hour sit-in against loadshedding

N H ZUBERI

KARACHI: Representatives of all the industrial town associations of the city, members and office-bearers of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) have decided to stage a two hours' sit-in in front of Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Wednesday to register their protest over 12-hour-long loadshedding in industrial areas of the city.

The decision was made unanimously during an emergency meeting of all the industrial town associations held at KCCI on Tuesday evening. It was further decided that they will stop payment of KESC bills in case the utility fail to end loadshedding in industrial areas in the next two or three days

All the industrialists will deposit their KESC bill along with bank draft of payment in their respective associations.

They will also address a joint press conference in connection with power crises in the industrial areas of the city

Speaking on the occasion, Leader of Businessmen Group and former President KCCI,  Siraj Kasim Teli alleged that KESC was using industrialists to pressurise government to bow down before the utility.

He alleged as and when KESC has some problem of gas supply shortage, circular debt, GLMP, etc, it starts long hours' loadshedding in industrial areas and added when industrials make hue and cry against loadshedding, it manages to get its demands fulfilled by the government.

He recalled a meeting of KESC and government in which it was decided that in case of supply of gas does not go below 180, industry would not be subjected to loadshedding. Defying this decision, he said, KESC announced three spells loadshedding of 4 hours each, in a manner where industry suffers most.

Earlier, Chairman of North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI) Abdul Rasheed Fodderwala underscored the need for approaching the President and the Prime Minister to apprise them of prevailing power crisis and seek their intervention to resolve the issue.

Former Chairman Site Association of Industry (SAI), Nisar Shakhani said that not a single shift can be operated in accordance with the present loadshedding schedule

He was of the view that the industrialists should decide to close down their units.

Vice-Chairman NKATI, Asher Jamil pleaded to stop payment of KESC bills as industrialists have already used enough oil to operate captive power generating units.

Former President KCCI, Majyd Aziz, emphasised that there should be no more talks with KESC and government on the issue. Take a stand and decide future line of action, he added.