ISLAMABAD, Aug 7: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has sought representation of the private sector in the regulatory authority bodies to ensure protection of consumer rights.

ICCI President Tariq Sadiq, in a statement issued here, said the Print and Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) were represented by government officials. And, whenever a summary was presented to them for increase in rates, they could not differ with each other while taking decisions.

He said it was important to consider the viewpoints of the public in such matters. According to him, it was illegal to make changes in tariff without consulting the stakeholders.

The president sought representation of the ICCI in all regulatory bodies to encourage the private sector.

He said Ogra, at the start of summer season, had increased gas rates on the pretext of increase in the rates of the commodity in the international market, whereas gas was not imported in the country.