ISLAMABAD:,,, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has said the government is taking every possible step for the promotion of industry and trade.

He said this during a meeting with prominent industrialists and businessmen of Karachi here in Islamabad on Monday. The Prime Minister acknowledged the crucial role of industrialists and the business community in the country’s progress and prosperity.

The meeting is part of the Prime Minister’s consultations with industrialists and traders initiated during his Karachi visit. The Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities to introduce competitive electricity rates for industries to benefit the common man.

He also directed the Minister of Finance and Minister of Energy to prepare an action plan in consultation with the industrialists regarding gas prices for industries.

The Prime Minister said the government is taking steps to increase the tax net, but the role of the business community is crucial in this regard. He urged the business community to support the government in expanding the tax net.

The Prime Minister further said that the government is working on the agenda of institutional reforms for the welfare of the people and the recovery of the economy.

The delegation of the business community expressed satisfaction over the measures taken to prevent smuggling, electricity theft, and the restoration of the economy.

The delegation included Chairman Businessmen Group Zubeir Motiwala, Chief Coordinator Industrial Forum Muhammad Javed Bilwani, Patron-in-Chief Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry Masood Ismail, Former Chairman All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association Saleem Parekh, Patron in Chief Association of Trade and Industry Ben Qasim, and President North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry Faisal Moez.