Dr. Amanullah Kassim Machiyara, Chairman – All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) while appreciating the government’s scheme for granting of soft loans for payment of salaries and wages has drawn the attention of the Prime Minister towards the callous attitude of the gas companies for refusing to grant extension in payment of March bills.
In a statement issued to the press Dr. Amanullah Kassim said that virtually the entire industry of Pakistan was in lock down and major export orders had been cancelled. Due to lock down the exports as well as domestic sales had come to a virtual halt causing a severe liquidity crisis, he added. He said that the government fully understood the situation and was taking steps to mitigate the rapidly deteriorating situation. However, SSGC and SNGPL are not inclined to understand the situation and this rigid stance will not bode well for the industry which is already closed.
Dr. Amanullah Kassim appealed to the Honourable Prime Minister to intervene and direct the relevant ministries to issue instructions for deferment of gas bills payment. The industry is not refusing to pay the bills but merely asking for some time in order that the situation moves towards some improvement and the wheels of the industry start to churn. He requested that the gas companies should be directed to collect the March bill in 3 equal monthly instalments without any penal charges. Dr. Kassim praises the efforts of the government towards controlling the pandemic in Pakistan and prayed for the country’s prosperity under the able leadership of Prime Minister, Imran Khan.