MPs Raise Alarm Over Utility Stores Closure, K-Electric Tariff Disparity

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Industries and Production on Monday expressed serious reservations over the government’s reported plans to shut down Utility Stores across the country by the end of July 2025.

Chaired by Syed Hafeezuddin, the Committee strongly objected to the proposed closure, citing previous assurances made by the Federal Minister for Industries and Production on the floor of the House that only non-performing and loss-making Utility Stores would be shut down.

The committee members feared that a blanket closure of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) would jeopardize the livelihoods of approximately 16,000 employees associated with the organization. They vowed to raise the issue at relevant forums to prevent its privatization.

Call for Automobile Safety Policy

During the meeting, the Committee also expressed grave concern over the lack of a comprehensive four-wheeler automobile certification policy in the country. It criticized the lax regulation of the automobile manufacturing sector, which, the members noted, has led to frequent accidents and significant loss of human lives.

The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP) prepare concrete proposals for policy reforms in consultation with all stakeholders. These proposals, they emphasized, should follow international best practices. The Committee asked the Ministry to present a detailed report at the next meeting.

Displeasure Over K-Electric Tariff Disparities

The Committee also voiced strong displeasure over K-Electric’s discriminatory tariff structure, pointing out that the utility was charging consumers in Karachi Rs. 40 per unit, while the rate in other parts of the country was Rs. 28 per unit.

The Committee directed K-Electric to take immediate steps to reduce electricity rates and ensure uniform tariffs across the country, in order to lessen the financial burden on its consumers.

Briefings and Attendance

Earlier in the meeting, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, along with representatives from various departments, briefed the Committee on the performance of their respective institutions and challenges they face.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Shahid Usman, Sajid Mehdi, Kiran Imran Dar, Syed Murtaza Mehmud, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, Naz Baloch, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Muhammad Mobeen Arif, Muhammad Saad Ullah, Rana Atif, Muhammad Arshad Sahi, and Syed Raza Ali Gillani. Senior officials from FBR, Utility Stores Corporation, K-Electric, and other departments were also present.