The marble industry in the country is rapidly moving towards destruction owing to hike in electricity charges by the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). Government should take solid steps for the betterment of the revenue generating business.



These views were expressed by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RIPC) President Kashif Shabbir while addressing a joint meeting of the standing committees for marble and chemical here at the Chamber on Tuesday.



He said that IESCO has converted its charges from B1 to B2 for the industry. "It would destroy the local industry in prevailing energy crunch", he added. He also demanded of the government that for promotion of the marble industry 50 per cent to 60 per cent quota might be given to the local industry in construction of any new building.



Kashif said that due to ramble in petroleum prices transportation charges have been increased, which was affecting the business activities in the country. Government should reduced the petroleum prices at earliest to overcome the problems faced by the businessmen community, he stressed.



Chairman Standing Committee for Chemical Saqib Dawood, Vice Chairman Badar Haroon, Chairman Standing Committee for marble Fazal-e-Khaliq Langrial and members of the committees were present on the occasion.