FBATI Rejects Annual Electric Inspectorate Checks on Industrial Units, Seeks Reversal

Association President Syed Raza Hussain says mandatory inspections will increase business costs, disrupt production and add to the regulatory pressure on industries.

The Federal B. Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI) has opposed the Electric Inspectorate’s decision to conduct annual inspections of industrial units, calling on the government to withdraw the measure and restore the exemption previously granted to industries under a 2003 notification.

FBATI President Syed Raza Hussain said the decision would place an additional burden on manufacturers already facing high electricity and gas costs, heavy taxation and other operating expenses.

He described the proposed inspections as unnecessary government interference in business activities and argued that repeated checks could disrupt industrial operations and affect production.

Hussain urged the authorities to limit the scope of electrical installation inspections to commercial buildings and exempt industrial units from the new requirement.

He said the industrial sector needed relief from unnecessary regulations and administrative hurdles rather than additional compliance obligations. According to the FBATI president, frequent inspections could create operational difficulties for factories and further increase pressure on businesses.

The association has demanded the restoration of the 2003 notification that exempted industrial units from Electric Inspectorate inspections. It also called on the government to reverse the latest decision and reconsider its impact on the manufacturing sector.

The issue comes amid continuing concerns among industrialists over rising energy costs, taxation and the broader cost of doing business in Pakistan. FBATI maintains that additional inspection requirements could weaken industrial activity at a time when businesses need a more supportive regulatory environment.