"The reduction of Rs 3 per cent unit from tariff rationalisation surcharge will enable the industry to book export orders without delay, as many textile millers are yet uncertain over the fate of tariff rationalisation surcharge," he added. Tariq said that only the prime minister can put an end to the ongoing indecisiveness by removing the tariff rationalisation surcharge from the industrial tariff. "A timely decision would enable the textile industry to deliver and materialise the prime minister's dream of industrial revolution in Pakistan," he added.
He said the high cost of doing-business had created a hole in the viability of textile industry, particularly the large section dependent on electricity supply in Punjab, which was resulting into fast closure of textile units, steep fall in textile exports and the consequent rampant unemployment.
Chairman APTMA hoped that reduction in industrial tariff by the prime minister would enable the textile industry to compete with immediate regional textile players through availability of level-playing field. "The present weighted average net of fuel price adjustment tariff for industry is Rs 12/kwh. Supply of electricity at tariff less than Rs 9 per unit would be a major step in restoring the industrial viability," he stressed.