October 23, 2008	Thursday	Shawwal 23, 1429

KARACHI, Oct 22: Amid mounting outrage and objections raised by the general public and the business and industry, recovery of KESC dues at revised rates has been put on hold for ten days pending a resolution of the issue.

However, the government did not withdraw the massive increase in tariff.

The decision was taken on Wednesday in a high-level meeting, chaired by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan. The meeting took stock of the power supply situation and allied matters.

The government has already constituted a parliamentary committee to look into the issue of increase in gas and electricity tariff for both industrial as well as other consumers.

The meetings were attended by Federal Minister Water and Power Raja Parvez Ashraf, Chairman NRB Dr Asim Hussain, officials of KESC and HESCO and representatives of industrialists and traders.

In a briefing, Sindh Minister for Industries Rauf Siddiqi said that a committee headed by Federal Minister for Water and Power would consider the matter and try to work out a solution to the crisis.

The minister said that representatives of industrial and business communities would meet the committee in Islamabad.

Mr Siddiqi said that if the matter was not resolved in ten days, the timeframe would be extended until the issue was resolved.

Federal Minister Water and Power Raja Parvez Ashraf said the government was taking steps to resolve the power issue on priority basis and an additional supply of 6,000 MW of electricity would be ensured next year.

He pointed out that Mangla and Tarbela dams were facing water shortage, but hoped the situation would improve next month.

He maintained that in view of prevailing power crisis, the Prime Minister has setup a 10-member committee which will take stock of whole issue and present a detail report within 100 days.

Sindh Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan said power shortage was not confined to Karachi. “We should find a way out which may reduce the problems of people and industries too could continue their production”, he said.

CONCERNS: Siraj Kassam Teli, a leader of the business community, led a delegation which called on Water & Power Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf at the Governor House to discuss the issuance of bills by Karachi Electric Supply Company.

They told the minister that the business community as well as the general public Were outraged over the excessive billing by the KESC, saying that until the issue was resolved, “we shall pay no bills”.