A delegation of Islamabad Soap Industry Association led by its President Sheikh Muhammad Munir called on Zahid Maqbool, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and lodged strong protest against 4-5 days gas suspension to industry in a week which is badly crippling their business activities.

They said government had approved 2 days gas suspension to industry but they were experiencing 4-5 days gas shutdown which was unaffordable for them. They threatened that if this practice was not stopped, they will be forced to close down their operations as they cannot afford to remain in business without production activities nor can they pay labor by keeping it idle for 4-5 days in a week.

Zahid Maqbool called upon the government to ensure proper implementation of the decision of Cabinet Committee on Gas Load Management which had approved two days gas suspension to industry in a week. He said unannounced and massive gas suspension has brought industry to a grind halt.

He resented the practice of resorting to such unilateral measures by gas companies without taking business community on board. He said such attitude will shatter the confidence of businessmen and investors and stressed that before considering any such move; business community should be consulted for finding out a win-win solution of all problems including energy crunch.

Industrialists said that they were risking everything to keep the wheel of economy running. However, they lamented that government was not paying heed to their problems due to which they have been pushed to the wall.

They said soap industry is providing jobs to many people apart from paying good amount of tax in the national kitty. But cold shoulder approach of the government was hurting their business sending many industrial units on the verge of closure which could render large number of labor jobless.

ICCI President said industrialists are playing a vital role in strengthening the local economy and if their business suffers, if will directly hit the economy.  He assured them his full support and urged upon the government to take urgent remedial measures to end the woes of industry.

Sheikh Muhammad Suleman and Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas were also in the delegation while Munawar Mughal, Chairman Founder Group was present on the occasion.