ISLAMABAD: The government has rescinded its decision to increase the electricity tariff due to the impactful protests by the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) organized a robust campaign against the increase in electricity tariffs. They employed various tactics such as shutter-down strikes and demonstrations to voice their opposition. These protests effectively pressured the AJK government, which found itself in a challenging position as citizens refused to pay their inflated electricity bills.
One significant development in this context was the AJK government’s rejection of an amendment to the Mangla Dam Upraising Agreement. During a press conference, AJK ministers indicated that the Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) did not support this amendment, and AJK cabinet meetings were not considering it.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Energy, Power, and Petroleum, Muhammad Ali, announced that they will implement a revised electricity tariff before October 31. This announcement suggests that the government was responsive to the public’s concerns and aimed to address the issue of high electricity tariffs.
AJK Protests Drive Electricity Reforms and Solar Promotion
Additionally, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) took notice of irregularities in electricity bills, which likely contributed to public dissatisfaction. Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali, during a joint press conference with Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, stated that the government was taking action against electricity and gas theft.
Minister Muhammad Ali emphasized the government’s commitment to controlling the electricity tariff and providing affordable power to industries starting from October 31. He attributed the inflated bills to electricity theft and the tariff hike to the increase in the USD exchange rate. While acknowledging the difficulty of amending previous agreements, he pledged to find a solution without violating the terms.
Furthermore, he expressed the government’s intention to promote solar energy by formulating a strategy, although there hadn’t been a reduction in the prices of solar equipment at the time.
It appears that the AJK people’s protests, combined with government actions and announcements, were aimed at addressing concerns related to electricity tariffs, bills, and promoting alternative energy sources like solar power.
