A Senate subcommittee has recommended initially extending business hours by 30 minutes as part of a gradual plan to restore normal operating hours. The proposal was discussed despite opposition from the Power Division over electricity supply concerns.
The recommendation was made during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue subcommittee. The meeting was chaired by Senator Talha Mahmood and included officials and representatives from the business community.
The Power Division told the committee that extending business hours would require an additional 600 megawatts of electricity. Officials warned that meeting this demand could put further pressure on the power system.
The division also warned that operating furnace oil-based power plants could increase electricity generation costs. According to officials, this could raise fuel costs by around Rs5 per unit.
Power Division representatives further informed the committee that Pakistan currently has only one day of LNG stocks. They cautioned that additional electricity demand could require the procurement of spot LNG cargoes.
Officials said purchasing spot LNG could increase the overall cost of electricity generation. The warning came as the committee considered a gradual extension of business operating hours.
Business representatives supported longer operating hours and highlighted their potential economic benefits. They argued that increased business activity could lead to higher collections from income tax and sales tax.
They maintained that businesses need sufficient operating hours to support economic activity and improve government revenue. Representatives also stressed the importance of creating conditions that allow commercial and industrial sectors to operate efficiently.
The subcommittee agreed to initially consider a 30-minute extension. The recommendation forms part of a gradual approach toward restoring normal business hours while taking energy supply concerns into account.
The committee also discussed several other issues affecting Pakistan’s business environment. These included the relocation of industries from Pakistan, FBR governance and the dual nationality of government officials.
Industrial policy and measures to facilitate the business community were also discussed. Members examined ways to address concerns raised by businesses and improve coordination between government institutions and the private sector.
FBR officials told the committee that the government had introduced several confidence-building measures. These include the formation of joint committees involving FBR officials and business representatives.
Officials also briefed the committee about steps aimed at improving engagement with the business community. On the prime minister’s instructions, the FBR chairman will establish a camp office in Karachi during the first week of every month.
A two-day camp office is also planned in Lahore. The initiative is intended to provide business representatives with greater access to senior tax officials and help resolve issues more quickly.
The committee is expected to continue reviewing business and economic concerns. The proposed extension of business hours will also require coordination between economic authorities and the power sector.
The final implementation of longer business hours will depend on the government’s assessment of electricity availability and associated costs. Authorities will also have to consider the potential impact on businesses, consumers and government revenue.
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