Business Community Leaders Demand Immediate Withdrawal of SNGPL Bills

Business community leaders in Karachi called for the immediate withdrawal of gas bills issued by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to industrial and commercial consumers under retrospective billing. The leaders, including Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh and Regional Chairman Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry, condemned the move as a grave injustice to Pakistan's industry and trade, warning that it could push the economy towards a severe crisis. They argued that the measure imposes a heavy financial burden and raises serious questions about its legality and transparency.

Key Takeaways:

• The business community leaders are demanding the immediate withdrawal of gas bills issued by SNGPL to industrial and commercial consumers under retrospective billing.
• The leaders, including Atif Ikram Sheikh and Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry, condemned the move as a grave injustice to Pakistan's industry and trade.
• The measure could push the economy towards a severe crisis, according to the business community leaders.
• Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face sharply reduced production or complete shutdowns due to the increased financial strain.
• The business community leaders argue that the measure is a blunt injustice at a time when they were advocating for a reduction in the cost of doing business.
• SMEs' survival is at stake, with some facing sharply reduced production or complete shutdowns.
• The leaders want the Prime Minister, Petroleum Minister, and relevant regulatory authorities to revoke the bills without delay.

Statistics:

• The retrospective billing has increased financial strain on industrial and commercial consumers.
• Many SMEs face financial difficulties, with some on the verge of shutting down.
• The business community leaders estimate that the measure could push the economy towards a severe crisis.
• SNGPL's move has triggered widespread unrest in the business community.

Sources:

• [No sources were mentioned in the original article.]