LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has assured the All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) and textile-related goods manufacturing units that the government will ensure smooth functioning of the industry during winter.

Speaking to a delegation of Aptma and other associations comprising Federal Textile Minister Abbas Khan Afridi, Aptma chairman S.M. Tanveer, Group Leader Gohar Ejaz, Chairman (Punjab) Seth Muhammad Akbar, PTEA Group leader Ahmed Kamal and others, the CM assured them of expediting the process of introducing special energy tariff for the textile industry to make it regionally competitive. He said the proposed tariff was under consideration.

The delegation called on the chief minister after the concluding session of the first Textile Summit organised by the Federal Textile Ministry in Lahore. It shared concerns of the textile industry.

The delegates further pointed out that the basic textile exports of yarn and fabric had already fallen by 11pc and 36pc from April onwards due to energy insecurity as well as non-affordability.

The Aptma chairman said the CM last year ensured supply of gas and electricity to the mills during winter and exports had witnessed a rise of $1 billion.

He urged the CM to ensure similar energy supply arrangement for the current winter.

He said the line losses of industrial feeders were zero and there was no theft like other sectors.

Others demanded removal of difference of tariff during peak and off-peak hours.

Published in Dawn, November 29th , 2014