ISLAMABAD, Nov 14: The Islamabad Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has warned that a further increase in electricity rates will adversely affect economic activities in the country. ICCI President Abdul Rauf in a statement issued on Monday said the power regulatory authority had allowed a 30 per cent increase in electricity rates.

“In the past whenever an increase in electricity rates was demanded, Nepra sought objections from the public and proper hearing was arranged before taking any decision, but this time supply companies have been recommended unilaterally for an increase in rates which is illegal and without any reason,” the ICCI president said.

Mr Rauf says all regulatory authorities, including Nepra, are government organizations and express government point of view and the officials of these authorities never care for the rights of the private sector.

He pointed out that Nepra had not published any information in any newspaper regarding the increase in tariff, consequently public was being affected with its increase in power rates.