Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry called a meeting of all markets unions to discuss the decision of the Federal Government taken in the 12th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCE) for closure of all markets and shops in the federal capital by 8:00 pm as a part of energy conservation measures.
Speaking at the occasion, the business community showed great concerns over the unilateral decision and said that being key stakeholders in the matter the government should have taken them into confidence before arriving at such an important decision.
They said energy deficit was a long standing issue of the country and it has already taken a heavy toll on business and industrial activities and it was the dire need of the country that the government given top priority and utilise all possible resources to address the national issue.
They said construction of roads and motorways was important for the country, but the government should give first preference to coping with the energy crisis because without ensuring an uninterrupted energy supply to businesses and industries, it was not possible to run the wheel of the economy smoothly and achieve sustainable economic growth.
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President, Muzzamil Hussain Sabri, said that the business community was ready to fully cooperate with the government in its initiatives aimed at energy conservation, however, government should utilise all options to save trade and industry from any harmful consequences.
He said that 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm were peak hours for businesses during the summer season as consumers normally do shopping at night and forcing early closure of markets and shops would not only create difficulties for consumers, it will also prove harmful for business activities.
ICCI Founder Group, Chairman, Abdul Rauf Alam, said that if the Government ensures uninterrupted power supply in markets and business centres from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, then traders could consider closing shops after 9:00 pm. He said an across the board policy should be adopted in this matter.
Presidents Traders Welfare Associations of Jinnah Super, Super Market, F-10 Markaz, Blue Area, I-9 Markaz, Melody Market, Peshawar More Market, G-9 Markaz, G-11 Markaz and many other markets were present at the occasion.
