Sindh’s new electrical inspection regime sparks industrial backlash

KARACHI (Staff Report): The Sindh government’s decision to suspend a 2003 notification and introduce annual inspections of electrical installations in privately owned buildings has triggered opposition from industrialists, who say the move could add another regulatory and financial burden to an already struggling industrial sector.

The Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI) has rejected the annual inspection requirement for industrial units, demanding that the government withdraw the notices issued by the Electrical Inspectorate and restrict the inspection regime to commercial buildings.

FBATI President Syed Raza Hussain said the industrial sector could not accept a policy that would lead to repeated inspections of industrial facilities and potentially interfere with production activities.

He argued that industries were already facing mounting operational costs due to expensive electricity, gas tariffs, heavy taxation and water shortages, leaving little room for additional administrative and regulatory burdens.

The association warned that repeated inspections could disrupt industrial operations and create further hurdles for businesses already struggling with high input costs.

Raza Hussain demanded that industrial units be exempted from the new inspection regime and called for the restoration of the 2003 notification, which had previously provided the basis for their exemption.

The controversy also raises broader questions about the legal basis, scope and economic implications of the provincial government’s decision.

While electrical safety and compliance remain important regulatory concerns, the industrial sector is seeking clarity on the necessity, frequency and potential costs of mandatory annual inspections.

The government will need to address these concerns and clarify whether the new inspection policy is intended to improve electrical safety across private buildings or will also impose additional compliance requirements on industrial establishments.