ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: Amid widespread protests against the surge in electricity bills and added taxes across the nation, key figures in the power and finance sectors have suggested immediate relief to the public. These recommendations include proposing deductions in bills for August and September. These proposals are set to be presented to Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-Ul-Haq Kakar in the federal cabinet meeting scheduled for today.
Federal Cabinet Meets today to discuss high electricity bills
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has called for a federal cabinet meeting at 11 AM to address the issue of high electricity bills. During the meeting, the federal cabinet will provide suggestions on how to alleviate the financial burden of the public caused by these bills.
The cabinet session is also expected to approve an agreement with the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Additionally, the MoU between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia regarding vocational training is set to be signed during the session.
Earlier, Caretaker Power Minister Muhammad Ali pledged to offer significant relief to citizens facing inflated electricity bills. He stated that consultations have taken place to reduce the financial strain on power consumers. He affirmed that recommendations for providing relief would be presented to the federal cabinet during the meeting. The minister emphasized that decisions regarding electricity bills would align with the guidelines set out by the IMF program.
It is also expected to get approval for discontinuing the facility of providing free electricity units to officers of power distribution companies. Regarding capacity payments, the minister clarified that recommendations would be formulated within two weeks.
In a separate event today, Sirajul Haq, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), likened the high power bills to “drone attacks.” Haq criticized the caretaker government for forcing people into extreme measures due to the exorbitant electricity bills.
Haq urged the government to eliminate the extra taxes applied to electricity bills. He announced that his party would stage a protest in Rawalpindi on September 1. Furthermore, he revealed plans for a nationwide strike and shutdown on September 2.
