APTMA Sindh-Balochistan Region Chairman Imran Maqbool demanded Wednesday from the federal government to lift a ban on new gas connections for the industrial units as the government has recently announced new high-rise buildings.
In a statement issued to the media, Maqbool said that with the import of RLNG and removal of bottlenecks, the availability of gas in the country has increased. This has led to increase in industrial activity.
He demanded removal of moratorium on the new gas connections to the industries located in Sindh with immediate effect on the same pattern as that done for the residential buildings. He asked the government to allow new gas connections besides allowing applications for enhancement of load which have been lying pending for a long time and have been adversely affecting industrial activity and employment generation.
“Our members in Sindh are still facing a problem of low gas pressure which is badly affecting our production and resulting in delay in shipments of export orders,” Maqbool said, and added, “If the problem persists, the textile industry which is the major export oriented industry will be unable to meet the target set by the government and fully utilise the market access extended by the EU.”
Imran Maqbool pointed out that the Sindh province is rich in gas reserves. Still, he said, the gas needs of the industry in Sindh are not being met properly. He urged the government that in the wake of smooth induction of RLNG into the system, ban on new gas connections should be lifted and enhancement of gas load to the industry be allowed in Sindh.
Maqbool said the textile Industry is the backbone of our economy and earning much needed foreign exchange and creating employment opportunities would bring growth in economy and prosperity for the public at large scale.
