ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA has sought removal of MDI charges immediately to save the export the industry.
In a letter to Power Minister, Chairman PTA, Fazalur Rehman Shaikh has said that the Association is the second largest export industry in Pakistan and expressing its deep concern regarding the devastating impact of MDI charges on this sector.
He said, despite repeated pleas from different forums, these charges remain in place, threatening the very survival of manufacturing industry and the exporting sector.
According to Chairman PTC further stated that the imposition of MDI charges has made the country’s exports uncompetitive globally. without providing any benefits in terms of quality or services. This has resulted in a significant burden on the industry, particularly the export manufacturing sector. which is a vital foreign exchange earner for the country.
PTA is of the view that it is ironic that while the government announces discounted tat ills for exporting sectors, huge, fixed charges are being added, jeopardizing the philosophy of promoting global export competitiveness. The Association has urged Power Minister to reconsider this approach and remove the MDI charges immediately.
Furthermore, the Association has suggested that the Ministry of Power should focus on addressing system inefficiencies, thefts, and losses, rather than shifting the burden to consumers.
The government’s efforts to promote renewable energy, however. the fixation of MDI charges undermines these efforts s and adds significant costs to electricity bills.