RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD: Nine textile associations have announced to observed ‘Black Day’ on December 06, 2016 against disparity in industrial gas prices within the country, which is yielding negative impact over the national exports, textile production, generating revenue and employment in the Punjab.

Addressing a protest sit-in outside PTEA head office, Mian Ajmal Farooq, Chairman, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association(PTEA), Ch Abdul Haq, Chairman, All Pakistan Cotton Power looms Association, Engineer Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, President, FCCI, Rana Talib Hussain, Chairman, All Pakistan Sizing Industries Association, Naveed Gulzar, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, Waheed Khaliq Ramey, Chairman, Council of Looms Owners Association, Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain, former Senior Vice Chairman, PHMA, North Zone, and Dr Khurram Tariq, Chairman, Millat Industrial Estate and other leading industrialists mentioned that the recent reduction of Rs 200 per MMBTU in industrial gas prices will left unfruitful as Punjab-based textile industry is already functioning on Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG).

Industrialists carrying black flags and banners inscribed with their demands. They also raised slogan for equal rates of gas between Punjab and Sindh in the best interest of the national interest. They also demanded that the electricity should be provided to Punjab industries at rate of Rs7 per unit and textile package should be announced immediately as promised by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Earlier, addressing a Media Conference, Mian Ajmal Farooq Chairman, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association( PTEA) condemned the government’s discriminatory attitude towards the Punjab-based textile industry as it is facing a serious blow of non-viability within the country. He said that industries in Sindh are using low priced gas for their industrial needs; whereas highest revenue generating Punjab-based industries are compelled to use high cost Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) for their production process which is quite injustice. With recent announcement of reduction in industrial gas tariff, gas price for Sindh industries have become Rs 400 per mmbtu; whereas Punjab-based industries are charged over Rs 900 per mmbtu of RLNG and with huge difference of 120 per cent in gas prices how can we survive, he said. He expressed disappointment over disinterested and non-cooperative attitude of the government institutions. We are repeatedly showing concerns over the situation but unfortunately all of hue and cry is falling on deaf ears of the policy-makers. He urged the Prime Minister to take notice of discrimination with Punjab industries on gas prices and demanded to ensure gas supply to industries at equal price across the board. He further demanded to immediately announce long awaited Prime Minister’s package for ailing textile industry and supply of electricity to industries at Rs 7 per unit to compete well in international market. He announced that if the Government not fulfills their demands, there will be massive protest for their rights. He also announced to observe 6th December as Black Day.

President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Muhammad Saeed deplored that the Government is not addressing the reasons behind the industrial crisis and situation may be alarming further in coming months as 50 per cent industrial capacity in Punjab has become dysfunctional. With huge difference in gas prices, we are at disadvantage with Sindh industries.

Naveed Gulzar of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association said that policy-makers are not serious in resolving issues of the textile industry and the situation is worsening day by day. He demanded to apply equal tariff of industrial gas across the board.

All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association’s Chief Muhammad Saeed was of the view that situation is becoming unbearable for industry and a constant inefficiency is plaguing the viability of production units. Drop on exports would have dire impact on economy which is already under pressure. Textile industry is a premier industry of Pakistan earning foreign exchange and providing jobs to millions of workers. Textile industry is heading towards disaster due to high cost of energy and lack of basic working capital, he added.

Ch Abdul Haq, Chairman All Pakistan Cotton Power Looms Association said that we are continuously forewarned about the crisis but no heed was paid towards the problems of the industry.

Haji Rana Talib Hussain of All Pakistan Textile Sizing Industries Association urged the government to take cognizance of serious matter and step up to save Punjab based industry from disaster as high energy cost is holding it back from growing up to full potential.

Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain former Senior Vice Chairman, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bilal Jamil, Regional Chairman All Pakistan Bedsheet and Upholstery Manufacturers Association and Ch Waheed Khaliq Ramay, Chairman Council of Loom Owners were also present on the occasion.