MULTAN: All Pakistan Power Looms Association (APPLA) has expressed grave concerns over the escalating electricity tariffs, which have plunged the power looms industry into a deep crisis.
To address this issue, the association announced the launch of a public awareness campaign starting January 25. This decision was made during an emergency meeting chaired by the Central President of APPLA, Abdul Khaliq Qandeel Ansari.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Ansari highlighted that the unprecedented rise in electricity prices and excessive taxation have severely disrupted the industry, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. “The government’s efforts to reduce electricity costs are commendable but insufficient. Special relief packages must be introduced immediately for the power loom industry, which contributes 75% to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings,” he stated.
Mr. Ansari added that the ongoing crisis is forcing power loom owners to sell their machinery as scrap, leading to mass unemployment. “Those who were once job providers are now struggling to make ends meet,” he lamented. He also criticized the anti-consumer policies of the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), blaming them for exacerbating the crisis.
The meeting resolved to seek an audience with MEPCO’s Chief Executive to address the industry’s pressing challenges. “If our grievances are not addressed, we will announce further steps,” Mr. Ansari warned. Additionally, the association plans to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to brief him on the dire situation and urge immediate reductions in electricity tariffs to revive the industry.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures including Chairman Haji Basheer Pehlwan, Haji Irshad Qadri, Younis Ansari, Shaukat Ali Ansari, Haji Nazir Ahmed Ansari, Sanaullah, Sabir Ali, Shahid Ibrahim, Mushtaq Ahmed, Mubarak Ali, Muhammad Yousuf Ansari, Muhammad Ashraf Goga, Javed Ansari, Imran Waris, Waleed Taj, Nadeem, Hafiz Muaz, Younis Lahori, Gosha Pehlwan, and several others.
The association underscored the urgency of government intervention to prevent further damage to the industry, which they believe is vital not only for the survival of power looms but also for the broader economic stability of the country.
