SIALKOT, May 1: All main trade bodies of Sialkot have strongly criticized the recent hike in POL prices. In a joint statement issued here on Saturday , the office-bearers of these bodies said that the hike in the POL prices would make it difficult for the exporters to compete with other countries in the international markets.

The officials include Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Tahir Majid Kapur, senior vice-president Zahid Latif Malik, vice-president Maj Mansoor Ahmad (retired), Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association's Sialkot region chairman Arshad Javaid Sandal, Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association chairman Sheikh Yunas Soni, Surgical Instruments Manufacturers Association of Pakistan chairman Bilal Hyder Agha, Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association chairman and Pakistan Musical Instruments Manufacturers and Exporters Association chairman Naeem Akhtar.

They said that the repeated increase in POL prices has created unrest among the businessmen.

They urged the government to announce a special relief package for Sialkot's exporters and withdraw the recent raise in POL prices.

GUJRANWALA: Transporters, industrialists and various trade and labour organizations have demanded that the increase in the POL prices should be withdrawn immediately.

At a meeting held here on Saturday, office-bearers of these organizations said the government was increasing the petroleum products' prices twice a month but giving no relief to the people.

The Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry also demanded withdrawal of the recent hike in the prices of petroleum products.

Chamber president Shaukat Javed and other office-bearers said at a meeting on Saturday that the government had been increasing the POL products' price in rupees and reducing it in paisas.

Meanwhile, the transporters threatened that they would enhance the fares if the prices of petroleum products were not withdrawn immediately.

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