Haji Iftikhar Ahmed, founder of the Industrialists Association District Abbottabad and a founder of the Abbottabad Chamber of Commerce, has strongly criticised a committee formed by the Deputy Commissioner Haripur.

Ahmed, who previously served as a vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), said industrialists strongly oppose the committee.

According to Ahmed, the committee includes industrialists from Abbottabad and the Hattar Industrial Zone. He said the business community has serious concerns about its role and possible impact on industrial operations.

Industrialists Raise Concerns Over Committee

Ahmed warned that the committee could interfere in legitimate business matters. He also expressed concern about possible political influence.

He said local authorities had failed to resolve several industrial issues effectively in the past.

Ahmed stressed that industrialists remain law-abiding citizens. He said they create jobs, invest in businesses and contribute to the national economy.

He questioned the need for another special committee when industries already operate under extensive regulatory oversight.

Businesses Face Extensive Regulation

According to Ahmed, more than 32 federal and provincial institutions already monitor industrial activities.

He said businesses must follow existing laws and regulations. However, he argued that companies should also have enough freedom to make legitimate commercial decisions.

Ahmed warned that additional administrative involvement could create unnecessary pressure on businesses.

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He also expressed concern about possible harassment of industrialists in Haripur if the committee gains excessive influence over business affairs.

Rising Costs Affect Industrial Production

Ahmed said the industrial sector is already facing significant economic challenges.

Energy costs have risen sharply, while fuel prices and electricity bills have increased business expenses.

He also pointed to prolonged load-shedding and heavy taxation as major challenges for manufacturers.

According to Ahmed, these pressures have contributed to a significant decline in industrial production.

He said factories that previously operated at full capacity are now running only a single shift in many cases.

Exports and Employment Face Pressure

Ahmed warned that declining industrial production could also affect Pakistan’s exports.

He said businesses have started reducing their workforce because of rising operating costs and weaker production.

The industrial leader warned that continued administrative pressure could force some factories to close.

Factory closures could put more jobs at risk across the province. Ahmed also linked the potential closures to wider economic and social challenges.

Industrialists Highlight Tax Contributions

Ahmed said industrialists have continued to follow national laws and meet their financial obligations.

He noted that businesses contribute billions of rupees in taxes to the national exchequer.

Companies also contribute millions of rupees each month to workers’ social security and welfare funds, he said.

Ahmed argued that these contributions demonstrate the importance of protecting and supporting the industrial sector.

Call for Committee’s Dissolution

Ahmed urged the district administration to end the uncertainty surrounding the committee.

He also called on the local government in Haripur to take immediate action.

The industrial leader demanded the immediate dissolution of the committee.

He said removing the committee would help create a more stable environment for industry and trade.

According to Ahmed, stronger industrial activity would support employment, exports and economic growth across the region.