March 29, 2006	Wednesday	Safar 28, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, March 28: The recent increase in electricity rates has added to the woes of public as they were already burdened by hike in gas and petroleum prices. This was stated by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Abdul Rauf in a statement issued here on Tuesday.

He condemned the increase and said electricity rates were regulated twice a year, which was greatly affecting not only common people but was also worrisome for traders and industrialists.

Mr Rauf said the global paradigm has shifted and with the WTO membership trade barriers were demolished to meet the competitive environment of global market.

“China and India are two major countries who are exporting their quality products worldwide on cheap prices because Chinese government facilitates the industrialists to establish a new industry by providing plots and free electricity for three year.” He said this sort of measures encourage new industrialists to contribute towards better economic growth. He underscored the issue that with high power rates not only cost of industrial products would be increased but export target would also be affected.

The ICCI president appealed to chairman WAPDA to take concrete steps to check line losses rather than increasing power rates.