Shahid Zaman Shinwari, Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said that ICCI has completely opposed the decision of Government as it has announced a massive hike in gas prices.

He said that Government has increased gas prices which would affect business activities and create difficulties for the business community and common man. He said that gas prices were being increased every month and adds to the woes of every citizen of Pakistan. He said that the Government should extend support to ailing business and industry rather than raising power prices.

He said that there is no defined mechanism of transportation fares in the Federal Capital and taxi drivers were charging too much fare from general messes. District administration should device a proper system in this regard as a large number of people has been using taxies for transportation, he added.

He requested Mr.Tariq Pirzada, Chief Commissioner ICT and Mr.Amir Ahmad Ali, Deputy Commissioner to address this matter on priority basis because general public has been facing numerous problems due to high fares, adding that meters should also be placed in taxies.

Shahid Zaman Shinwari said that Government should withdraw the announced power price hike otherwise business community would protest because Pakistani citizens, already burdened with high inflation rates and bleak economic conditions, cannot afford current increase in gas prices.