PESHAWAR, April 4: The Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has warmly welcomed the recent announcement made by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif regarding a massive reduction in electricity tariffs, calling it a much-needed step towards national economic revival and public relief.
In a press statement issued here on Friday, Senior Vice President PAJCCI, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, said the decision taken by the Prime Minister of reducing electricity prices by around Rs. 7.41 per unit for domestic consumers and Rs. 7.59 per unit for industrial units would provide significant relief to the masses, besides boosting commercial activities in the country by increasing industrial production and employment opportunities.
He highlighted that the power tariff reduction would also benefit cross-border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, especially for industries operating along the Peshawar-Torkham route.
“The decision of slashing electricity prices was very essential and demanded by people and the business community as well,” Zia added.
He expressed the hope that this decision by the Prime Minister would bring prosperity to the country through stabilizing the economy and increasing exports. The move would also prove beneficial in reducing prices of essential items, thereby providing substantial relief to the masses, Zia continued.
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PAJCCI’s office bearer urged the Prime Minister to continue taking such bold and people-friendly decisions, stating that the masses have suffered significantly due to the years-long wave of price hikes, which resulted in a decline in industrial production and employment.
He termed the massive reduction in electricity prices as a very welcoming step and a good omen for the country’s economy. He further emphasized that such measures could reinstate business confidence, especially in the manufacturing sector, and reinvigorate investor interest both domestically and internationally.
PAJCCI stressed that with improved affordability of electricity, Pakistan’s export-oriented industries — including those supplying goods to Afghanistan — would become more competitive, paving the way for deeper bilateral trade ties.
The organization added that this move would particularly support businesses in Peshawar and border provinces that serve as key hubs for Pak-Afghan economic cooperation.
The PAJCCI also highlighted that cheaper electricity would be especially beneficial for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Pakistan’s industrial landscape, and have been severely affected by high energy costs in recent years.