Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar made an announcement on Thursday, revealing that his administration will unveil a relief plan for addressing the widespread protests triggered by escalating electricity bills within 48 hours.
PM Kakar informed me that his government conducted an exhaustive review of electricity bills spanning the last two months. He highlighted that all institutions were questioned regarding their utilisation of complimentary electricity and stressed that the issue of exorbitant electricity bills needed a measured perspective.
According to Geo, the caretaker prime minister underscored that while the electricity bills must be settled, it is imperative to comply with the terms outlined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He attributed the surge in electricity bills to independent power producers (IPPs) and transmission line losses, emphasising that collaboration with the IMF was underway to address the matter. Despite the prevalent inflation, PM Kakar argued against an extensive strike.
In addressing the allocation of free electricity units, PM Kakar assured that the military does not avail itself of free electricity; rather, it is funded through the defence budget.
Additionally, he clarified that the judiciary does not enjoy complimentary electricity, and in the Wapda sector, only certain employees from grades 1 to 16 benefit from this provision. Employees in grades above 17 receive free units.
PM Kakar expressed his perspective that most protests originate from employees in grades 1–16. He suggested redirecting financial assistance towards officers in grades 17 to 22 instead of offering free electricity. He emphasised the need for stakeholders to formulate a policy within the following 48 hours.
Regarding the impending general elections, PM Kakar assured that the elections would occur as scheduled, with the understanding that the Election Commission of Pakistan holds the authority in this matter. He asserted that adherence to the interpretation of the law by the Supreme Court is essential and should be respected.
Frustrated citizens, grappling with soaring inflation, have been participating in demonstrations against substantial increases in electricity tariffs and heightened taxes nationwide.
In light of the ongoing public outcry over exorbitant electricity bills, the caretaker government is contemplating the possibility of allowing individuals burdened by inflation to settle bills for up to 400 units in six-month installments. This proposal emerged following discussions held during a cabinet meeting, which also addressed the influence of IMF conditions on elevated energy costs.
During the session, caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar updated the attendees about ongoing negotiations with the IMF, highlighting its pivotal role in the escalated energy tariffs.
