HARIPUR, Feb 14: The executive body of Haripur Chamber of Commerce & Industry has condemned increase in the prices of industrial plots at Hattar Industrial Estate and described the decision taken by the Sarhad Development Authority as “unwise” and “unjustified.”

These views were expressed by the members of executive body of Haripur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) which met here with Chamber’s president Tehsine-ul-Haq advocate in the chair the other day.

The body in its discussion termed the step of effecting raise in the prices of industrial plots in the estate by the SDA a “cruel decision” which was tantamount to debarring and scaring away the new investors in the industrial sector of this area. It was already confronted with unfavourable circumstances for a variety of reasons, it noted.

The members of the executive body also expressed concern over the growing trend of industrial concerns’ closure at the Hattar Industrial Estate and called upon the authorities concerned to review its decision.

They also discussed other problems confronted by the entrepreneurs of Hattar.

It may be recalled that the Hattar Industrial Estate was established in 1985, with 252 units employing over 10,000 workers.

However when the rebates, allowed by the government were withdrawn over 150 units were declared sick or closed down by the owners, bringing the much-trumpeted industrial activities to a virtual standstill.

At present, there are over 100 units which are operational.

However, according to the sources, their daily production had been on the decline due to unfavourable conditions, particularly the dilapidated condition of roads that lead to the industrial estate.