ISLAMABAD: Amid a worsening power crisis and a prolonged transport shutdown, the export-oriented industry has sought urgent government intervention, calling for relief measures to prevent further production losses and export setbacks.
In a letter dated December 17, 2025, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) appealed to Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ali Pervaiz Malik to grant a two-month waiver of the off-the-grid levy on gas-based captive power plants for December and January. Aptma cited severe power supply disruptions caused by dense fog and system constraints, which have resulted in frequent grid outages and voltage fluctuations.
The association said erratic electricity supply has damaged sensitive industrial machinery, forced production curtailment and led to significant financial losses. It argued that a temporary waiver would enable industrial units to operate their gas-based captive power plants, ensuring reliable and quality power supply at a time of heightened uncertainty.
Aptma noted that the power disruptions have compounded existing challenges faced by exporters, including a 10-day nationwide transport strike, an uncertain business environment and subdued domestic and international demand.
Separately, the export industry wrote to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairperson Rashid Mahmood Langrial, seeking an extension of at least three weeks for filing and paying sales tax returns. Aptma said the transport strike has severely hampered the movement of goods and documentation between factories, clearing agents and tax consultants, particularly from upcountry areas to port cities.
The association also approached the Minister for Maritime Affairs, requesting a waiver of demurrage and detention charges on import and export containers stranded at ports and inland container depots due to the transport shutdown, which has disrupted logistics nationwide.
In another communication to Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Aptma sought an extension of the December 2025 electricity bill payment deadline without late payment surcharges, saying such relief would help industries manage acute liquidity pressures arising from circumstances beyond their control.
Story by Khalid Mustafa
