KARACHI: President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) Muhammad Ikram Rajput has welcomed the 14-point energy conservation and austerity measures announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing the initiative as a timely and responsible step towards ensuring efficient energy utilisation and strengthening the country’s economic stability.
Rajput said such measures were particularly important considering prevailing regional and global circumstances. He noted that ongoing tensions involving Iran and the broader Middle East and Gulf region had created uncertainty in the global energy market, which could have implications for Pakistan’s economy. Under such conditions, he said, the government’s decision to promote energy conservation, reduce public expenditure and adopt austerity policies was both necessary and commendable.
The KATI president said steps such as reducing the use of official vehicles, restricting unnecessary foreign visits by government officials and encouraging work-from-home arrangements would not only help save energy but also set an example of prudent management of national resources. He added that these measures reflected the government’s commitment to promoting efficiency and responsible governance during challenging economic times.
Rajput also offered several recommendations to the government, emphasising that the uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas to industries must be ensured so that export-oriented sectors can continue operating smoothly. He said industries should be made active partners in the national energy conservation drive and that incentives should be provided to encourage the adoption of modern, energy-efficient technologies in the industrial sector.
He further stressed the need for a nationwide awareness campaign to educate both industries and people about the importance of energy conservation. According to him, effective public awareness and behavioural change were essential to achieving long-term reductions in energy consumption.
The KATI president said the prime minister’s policy announcements aligned with the long-standing demands of the business community. He urged the government to implement the proposed measures not only temporarily but on a permanent basis, noting that sustained austerity and energy efficiency policies would significantly reduce government expenditure and help accelerate economic growth.
Rajput stated that the business and industrial community stood ready to extend full cooperation with the government in efforts aimed at stabilising the national economy. He reaffirmed that the private sector would continue to support initiatives that serve the national interest and contribute to Pakistan’s economic resilience and sustainable development.
