Hyderabad, Sept. 30 -- Business leaders in Pakistan have called for a major reduction in electricity prices, saying high energy costs are making local industries less competitive compared with businesses in other countries in the region.

According to a report published by Dawn, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanvir said electricity costs for Pakistani businesses had fallen from around 17 cents to 12 cents, but were still significantly higher than the roughly seven cents charged in some regional countries.

Speaking at receptions in Hyderabad, Tanvir said the government needed to bring energy costs down further to support economic growth and industrial activity, Dawn reported.

Tanvir...