LAHORE: In wake of time when Pakistan has attained the GSP plus status, unavailability of energy will not let proper utilization of the opportunities which Pakistan is being given by the European Union to get back on right economic track.
This was stated by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Sohail Lashari in an interactive session with Lahore Economic Journalist Association (LEJA) here.
LEJA President Ashraf Mahtab, general secretary Shahid Nadeem, Vice President Sibghatullah, finance secretary Hassan and members Jawad Rizvi, Imran Adnan, Shehramul Haq, Muhammad Riaz, Luqman, Jawad Malik, Jahangir Hayat and other senior economic journalists were present on the occasion.
Lashari said that the crisis certainly cannot be arrested at once. However, immediate repair of out of order units can improve the supply to 1500 megawatts of electricity. “In order to get cheaper electricity, hydroelectric and coal should be considered otherwise in the long run we will not be able to vie in with world,” LCCI President added.
To a question he said that on provincial levels unequal distribution of the electricity must come to an end. Nevertheless, industry and trade are priority throughout the world and Pakistani traders and industrialists should be treated same like that.
“If we do want sustainable economic growth, we ought to have to treat business as our first priority or we will fail to keep the wheels of economy running,” Lashari warned.
To another question Lashari said that LCCI anti-corruption committee will monitor only the members to ensure good corporate governance and best business moral practices in trade and industry. “Up to 40 percent industry has collapsed due to the shortage of energy. These are such units which cannot afford generators even.”
He urged the media not to sensationalize minor event which impacts grave injury to the peaceful image of the country. Resultantly foreign investments have to see a stand still like situation, he added. He urged the media reporters to practice moderation in their reporting by avoiding exaggeration and undue coverage.
“Ball to ball commentary of minor happening has been damaging the peaceful image of Pakistan. There is no country in the world which is not confronted with violations of various types but they cover the event in the best interests of their country,” Lashari pointed out.
He also commended the role of economic journalists in the economic development of the country and hoped that they would always be discharging their journalistic duties in the best interests of the country.
