Senate Panel Recommends Extending Business Hours

A Senate subcommittee has proposed extending office hours by half an hour to gradually return to pre-pandemic operating times, despite concerns from the Power Division. The Power Division informed the committee that extending hours would necessitate an extra 600 megawatts of electricity. They also cautioned that running oil-fired power plants could raise fuel costs by approximately Rs.

5 per unit. This recommendation came during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue subcommittee, led by Senator Talha Mahmood. Business leaders contended that increased income tax and sales tax revenues would hinge on a longer workday. The Power Division further informed the committee that the nation currently holds only one day's supply of LNG.

They cautioned that acquiring spot LNG cargoes to cover additional power needs might further escalate electricity costs. The subcommittee also deliberated on the relocation of industries from Pakistan, governance within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the dual citizenship of government officials, industrial policy, and initiatives to support businesses.

FBR officials stated that the government had implemented confidence-building measures, such as the formation of joint committees with business representatives. They also disclosed plans for a monthly camp office in Karachi, initiated at the prime minister's direction, along with a bi-monthly camp office in Lahore.