KARACHI – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has strongly condemned the retrospective gas bills recently issued by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to industrial and commercial consumers, terming the move a “grave injustice” to the country’s business sector.
Addressing a press conference, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, Regional Chairman and Vice President Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry, along with senior leaders, appealed to Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik, and all relevant regulatory bodies to immediately withdraw the decision.
The leaders decried the lack of prior notice or consultation, warning that the sudden imposition of such charges has sparked widespread unrest in the business community. They cautioned that the measure not only places an unbearable financial burden on industries but also raises serious questions regarding its legality and transparency.
Highlighting the plight of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the FPCCI warned that many are now at risk of drastically reduced production or complete shutdowns, threatening jobs, exports, and economic stability.
“At a time when we have been advocating for lower costs of doing business to secure international orders, this measure has instead added to the financial strain — a blatant injustice,” the FPCCI leaders stated.
Also speaking at the event were FPCCI Vice Presidents Zaki Aijaz and Tariq Jadoon, Patron-in-Chief of the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Haji Nasir Mehmood, and former President of the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rana Shehzad.
