May 08, 2007	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 20, 1428

RAWALPINDI, May 7: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has suggested to the government to immediately announce two weekly holidays in order to overcome power shortage in the country instead of closing shopping malls at 8pm.

The RCCI said the government’s move to close big markets early in the evening would have negative impact on the overall business activity across the country.

It said the government should advise shopkeepers to open their businesses two hours later in the morning while the closing time should be extended by an hour to compensate for the morning delay.

RCCI President Dr Hassan Sarosh also pointed out that small shopkeepers and entrepreneurs were much judicious as far as the consumption of electricity was concerned.

Dr Sarosh said maximum electricity was being utilised in public-sector enterprises and the employees there enjoyed luxurious lifestyle as they did not have to pay the bill.

He said at present 1,600MW extra electricity was needed to overcome the prevailing power shortage that was likely to swell by 400MW in the coming days due to intense heat.

Mr Sarosh said keeping in view the existing power shortage, the government should immediately announce two weekly holidays to save both power and business activity.

“The RCCI is confident that the results would be highly encouraging in case the government consider the said suggestions,” the president asserted.

PPI adds: Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) Chief Executive Brig Shahbaz Ahmad on Monday asked the traders’ community to close markets and shops at 8pm to overcome the shortage of power.

He said the consumers could help contain the current power crisis and reduce load shedding hours by avoiding unnecessary use of electricity.

Iesco has already announced the load shedding schedule from May 7 to May 13 and has sent it to its distribution companies in the five circles of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum.

According to Iesco, power cuts will be experienced in both cities and villages for one hour twice a day or for half an hour four times a day.—PPI