Punjab Industries Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain on Wednesday criticized independent power producers (IPPs) for their role in the high cost of electricity. He accused 40 individuals within the IPPs of being part of a “mafia” and suggested they be confined until a new agreement on power production is reached.
“These 40 people should be locked in a room until a new deal is made,” Hussain remarked. He also stressed the importance of constructing small dams as an interim solution, pending the completion of the Kalabagh Dam.
In a related development, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah recently pledged to provide affordable electricity to vulnerable sections of society. Addressing the ongoing issue of rising electricity bills, CM Murad acknowledged the financial strain on citizens and outlined his administration’s plans to lower energy costs.
“We are planning to reduce power prices and will distribute 200,000 solar panels across Sindh to support this initiative,” he stated. CM Murad also took a jab at other provinces, implying they would face challenges in managing their energy policies.
While the focus remains on short-term relief through solar energy and small dams, both provincial leaders emphasized the need for long-term solutions to Pakistan’s energy crisis, with contrasting approaches reflecting their respective regions’ priorities and strategies for addressing expensive electricity.
