Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Industries and Production convened today at the Parliament House, raising significant concerns over government plans to close utility stores nationwide by July 2025. The committee, chaired by Syed Hafeezuddin, MNA, criticized the plan, highlighting a previous assurance from the Federal Minister for Industries and Production that only loss-making stores would be shuttered. The potential closure threatens 16,000 jobs, prompting the committee to seek intervention to halt the privatization of the Utility Stores Corporation.

In addition to utility stores, the committee addressed the absence of a certification policy for automobile four-wheelers. The lack of oversight in manufacturing industries has reportedly contributed to numerous accidents. The committee urged the Ministry of Industries and Production to collaborate with stakeholders and adopt international practices to prevent further casualties, with expectations for a proposal in the next meeting.

The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with K-Electric’s decision to charge a higher tariff of Rs. 40 compared to the Rs. 28 rate elsewhere in the country. They directed K-Electric to reduce rates to alleviate financial pressure on consumers and ensure uniformity in tariffs nationwide.

Earlier, representatives from the Ministry of Industries and Production and other departments presented efforts to improve departmental performance and outlined challenges they face. The meeting was attended by several MNAs, including Shahid Usman, Sajid Mehdi, and Kiran Imran Dar, among others, as well as officials from the Federal Board of Revenue, Utility Stores Corporation, and K-Electric.