Rafique Suleman, former Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Convener of the FPCCI Rice Standing Committee, appreciated the announcement by Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif to reduce electricity prices for industrial users by PKR 7.59 to PKR 40.60 per unit, and for residential users by PKR 7.41 to PKR 34.37 per unit. However, he demanded that electricity prices be further reduced to avoid negative impacts on exports.

He stated that the reduction in electricity prices is insufficient for the industry, and rice exports will decline in the coming months. He urged Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to immediately address this situation as the industry needs further reduced electricity prices, and the fixed charges should be abolished.

Rafique Suleman further said that when Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif himself acknowledges that high electricity prices are a significant barrier to development and prosperity and that the country cannot develop without a substantial reduction in electricity prices, then why haven’t the electricity prices for the industrial sector been reduced based on these facts? He also suggested abolishing the 2% additional tax on solar plate imports and making net metering easier.

Additionally, Rafique Suleman praised Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s decision to reject the proposal to ban the cultivation of two rice crops, calling it a positive move. He emphasized that this decision will increase rice production, benefit farmers, and bring foreign exchange into the country, which Pakistan urgently needs.

Rafique Suleman concluded by stating that the business community will continue to fully support the efforts of Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif to develop the national economy.