Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday hosted a high-level forum to bring together federal ministers and industrialists' leadership to discuss issues surrounding the mandatory shift from Captive Power Plants to power distribution companies (DISCOs), as per a recent cabinet decision.
The meeting decided that all proposals and reservations expressed by the industrialists would be submitted to the Prime Minister for his final decision, according to a statement from CM House. It was also decided that the Prime Minister would be requested to constitute a committee to determine the transitional period regarding the imposition of levies.
The Chief Minister categorically stated that the gas withdrawn from Captive Power Plants after the transfer of industrial units to the national grid must remain within the province.
The meeting served as a platform for brainstorming between industrialists and federal government representatives to establish a timeline for the transition from Captive Power Plants to DISCOS.
The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by the CM Murad Ali Shah, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Power Minister Awais Leghari, PM's Special Assistant Rana Sanaullah, MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar, Asad Alam, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, federal and provincial secretaries concerned, MD SSGC, CEO Moonis Alvi, and leading industrialists of the city, including Zubair Motiwala, Shabir Diwan, Jawed Balwani, and others.
The meeting focused on in-depth discussions regarding the proposed increase in captive power tariff. "There are approximately 660 Captive Power Plants in Sindh," the CM said. "Industrialists have raised concerns over the proposed tariff hike. We have dedicated this Sunday to listening to them," he added.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the federal government for agreeing to hear the concerns of industrialists firsthand. He urged federal ministers to gather input directly from industry stakeholders before making any decisions.
Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, while briefing the participants, said, "we are here today at the invitation of the Sindh government to listen to the concerns of industrialists. The country's economy is growing, and this progress includes the efforts of all stakeholders. The prime minister has directed us to introduce policies that ensure industrial growth."
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted that President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have also emphasised the importance of resolving industrial issues in Sindh. He acknowledged CM Shah's efforts and commitment during a previous Zoom meeting with industrialists.
Power Minister Awais Leghari informed the meeting that a 30 per cent reduction in industrial tariff has already been implemented. He added that distribution companies (DISCOs) are improving their operations and a feasibility plan for 7,000 MW of power generation is ready.
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