Decision will align with the IMF programme
ISLAMABAD: On Monday, Caretaker Power Minister Muhammad Ali pledged to offer the utmost relief to the public concerning inflated electricity bills on the following day (Tuesday).
Mr. Ali said, “The consultations have been made to lessen the burden on the power consumers. The recommendations to provide relief to the masses will be presented in the federal cabinet tomorrow.”
The minister emphasized that the decision, aligned with power bills, will be in accordance with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
Approval for discontinuing the provision of free electricity units to power distribution company (Disco) officers is also anticipated.
Regarding capacity payments, the minister clarified that recommendations will be formulated within two weeks.
In a separate instance today, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Sirajul Haq likened the inflated power bills to “drone attacks.”
JI Leader Sirajul Haq Condemns Inflated Power Bills, Announces Protests
During a press conference, Mr. Haq criticized the caretaker government, saying, “The people have been compelled to commit suicide due to the inflated power bills. About 48 % of the taxes have been imposed along with the original power price.”
He urged the government to cease imposing extra taxes on electricity bills.
Mr. Haq stated that his party would hold a protest against the steep power bills on September 1 in Rawalpindi.
He declared a nationwide strike and shutterdown on September 2.
On a previous Saturday, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) had declared their intention to protest against the high electricity bills.
JI Emir Sirajul Haq, while addressing a seminar in Lahore, lashed out at the political opponents and caretaker government, saying, “The caretaker government is following the footsteps of the previous governments in terms of taking wrong decisions for the sake of the country.”
“The power bills have increased three times within one month. People have been compelled to commit suicide due to the ballooning inflation. The electricity bill of at least Rs50,000 has been sent to every house,” said Mr. Haq.
He clarified that the JI intended to protest outside the power distribution companies (Discos).
