Kamran Tessori’s appeal follows the Punjab government’s announcement, led by Maryam Nawaz, of a Rs14 per unit subsidy on power bills for the next two months.
KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has called on Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to implement a power bill relief measure similar to that recently announced by the Punjab government. Tessori expressed concern that failing to provide comparable relief could lead to widespread dissatisfaction among Sindh’s residents.
Two days ago, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif unveiled a two-month subsidy plan for Punjab, offering Rs14 per unit relief for consumers using up to 500 units of electricity in August and September. This announcement, however, has faced criticism from other provinces, with parties including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) condemning the use of provincial measures for addressing electricity issues.
In a press conference, Tessori highlighted the need for Sindh to follow suit and allocate funds from its provincial budget to provide similar relief. He warned that not doing so could foster a sense of despair among the people of Sindh.
Tessori also addressed the severe impact of recent torrential rains in Sindh, which have left many people homeless. He announced plans to distribute ration bags to those affected and mentioned his intention to visit the impacted areas.
Additionally, Tessori clarified that no provincial funds were used for activities at the Governor House, including the cash prize awarded to gold medalist Arshad Nadeem in javelin throw.
The power tariff hike implemented on July 15 by the PM Shehbaz Sharif-led government raised the base tariff for domestic consumers to up to Rs48.84 per unit. This increase, which affects consumers in Karachi as well, exempts those using up to 200 units per month for the next three months. The hike followed a request by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for an increase of up to Rs7.12 per unit in the electricity base tariff.
