July 15, 2008	Tuesday	Rajab 11, 1429

FAISALABAD, July 14: Industrialists and traders took out a procession here on Monday in protest against the recent hikes in prices of gas and electricity.

The protest was held in response to a protest call given by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI).

It started as a rally on cars, led by office-bearers of FCCI and other trade organisations, from the chamber to the Zila Council Chowk, from where the protesters marched on foot to the Clock Tower intersection.

The participants were carrying placards and banners and chanting slogans in favour of their demands.

This was the second protest rally taken out by industrialists since Friday.

Addressing the participants, Rana Arif Touseef, Sheikh Ishfaq Ahmed, Asim Khursheed, Waheed Khaliq and Aftab Ahmed said that industrialists had been demanding a level-playing field and not any compensation. They said the huge increase in input cost would escalate the cost of production, rendering their goods uncompetitive in world markets, adding that their very survival was at stake.