81 industries shut down in Sindh due to power crisis

The severe energy crisis has caused a decline in business in Sindh, especially in the commercial hub, Karachi.

The Sindh Assembly was informed that around 81 industries were shut down over five years due to the shortage of electricity in the province.

Responding to the questions of lawmakers, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department, Ali Ahmed, stated that among the 81 registered companies that ended business in the province, 10 were textile mills, five sugar mills, and one cement mill.

The Secretary linked the closure of businesses to the power supply issues that affected the businesses in the province, which raised concerns among the business community and industrialists.

In response to the opposition leader, the Secretary mentioned that the provincial government has taken effective measures to support the industrialists.

He also stated, "Between 2018 and 2023, 10 textile mills and one cement factory were closed down in Sindh, while 6,856 units were operational across the province and 915 new industrial units were established," in reply to the opposition leader in the provincial assembly.

Furthermore, the government is also working on a public-private partnership to establish the industrial zone, which is being developed at the northern bypass, as he mentioned in the briefing.