SITE Industrialists Urge Energy Price Cuts and Policy Stability to Protect Industry

Karachi: Industrialists in Karachi’s SITE Industrial Area have urged the government to reduce energy prices, ensure political stability and introduce consistent economic policies, warning that rising production costs and business uncertainty are putting industrial operations, investment and exports under pressure.

Abdul Hadi, President of the SITE Association of Industry, said the government needed to take immediate and practical measures to reduce manufacturing costs and restore confidence among local industrialists and international business partners.

He warned that without meaningful reforms, businesses would find it increasingly difficult to sustain operations, while prospects for industrial expansion and economic recovery could weaken further.

High Energy Costs Undermine Industrial Competitiveness

Hadi said affordable and uninterrupted supplies of electricity, gas and water were essential for keeping industrial units operational and maintaining Pakistan’s position in international markets.

He urged the government to bring domestic production costs closer to those of competing regional economies, noting that expensive utilities continued to increase manufacturing expenses and put local producers at a disadvantage against international competitors.

The SITE Association president called for fundamental energy-sector reforms to ensure that electricity, gas and water remain both affordable and reliable for industrial consumers.

Political Stability Needed to Restore Business Confidence

Hadi identified political stability as another essential condition for industrial growth, saying uncertainty was affecting the confidence of international buyers and business partners.

He noted that an unpredictable business environment made it harder for Pakistani exporters to secure orders, develop long-term commercial relationships and attract fresh investment.

He also called for long-term industrial and economic policies that remain consistent despite changes in government. Frequent policy revisions, he said, create uncertainty for businesses making decisions about investment, production and capacity expansion.

Industrialists Seek Predictable Taxes and Lower Interest Rates

The SITE Association president further urged policymakers to establish a transparent and predictable tax system that reduces the financial burden on industrial businesses.

He called for interest rates to be brought in line with those of competing regional economies to improve access to affordable financing.

According to Hadi, lower borrowing costs and a stable tax environment would help industrialists plan investments, expand production capacity and strengthen their competitiveness in export markets.

SITE Association Calls for Practical Economic Reforms

Hadi urged the government to move beyond policy announcements and introduce practical measures to address the structural challenges facing industry.

He warned that without affordable energy, political stability and predictable economic policies, sustaining industrial operations could become increasingly difficult.

The SITE Association of Industry has called on the government to make these priorities central to its economic strategy, stressing that a stronger manufacturing base is essential for sustainable economic recovery, higher investment and improved export performance.