ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said on Monday that the energy ministry has devised a strategy to address the escalating issue of inflated power bills, which has sparked nationwide protests. These recommendations are set to be presented during the upcoming federal cabinet meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
Protests have engulfed the country since Saturday, with citizens expressing outrage over soaring electricity bills attributed to a substantial rise in the national average tariff. This outcry prompted interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar to intervene, summoning an “emergency” meeting on Sunday to deliberate on the matter.
However, yesterday’s session concluded without a concrete resolution, as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) revealed that further discussions would occur today.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Federal Information Minister Solangi disclosed that a high-level meeting held today, finalized recommendations to address the issue of electricity bills. These proposals are expected to be presented during Tuesday’s federal cabinet meeting, which holds the authority to approve such recommendations and make definitive decisions.
وزارت توانائی میں بجلی کے بلوں کے حوالے سے اعلیٰ سطحی اجلاس
وزارت توانائی نے بجلی کے بلوں کے مسئلہ پر تجاویز کو حتمی شکل دے دی، وزارت توانائی
یہ تجاویز کل وفاقی کابینہ کے اجلاس میں پیش کی جائیں گی، وزارت توانائی
حتمی فیصلہ کابینہ کے اجلاس میں کیا جائے گا، وزارت توانائی
کیونکہ…
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) August 28, 2023
A day prior, Solangi had said that the Caretaker Prime Minister was actively considering various measures to alleviate the burden on power consumers.
Solangi emphasized the government’s commitment to ensure equitable distribution of costs, asserting that it cannot tolerate a scenario where the economically disadvantaged bear heavy burdens while privileged segments enjoy free electricity.
Protests Against Electricity Bills Continue
Meanwhile, protests persisted across different cities today, marking the fourth consecutive day of demonstrations against the exorbitant bills. Protesters in Bhawalnagar, Layyah, and Lahore took to the streets, voicing their frustration over the escalating electricity costs.
In Peshawar, citizens blocked Kohat Road, highlighting the steep cost of electricity despite enduring extended periods of load shedding. The protest escalated with the burning of tires and chants against the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco). A similar demonstration held in Charsadda, as protesters blocked Farooq Azam Chowk and chanted slogan Wapda- against Water and Power Development Authority.
Citizens in Battagram blocked the Karakoram Highway, led by the traders’ union president, protesting inflated bills.
In Rawalpindi, demonstrators converged outside the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) offices, symbolically burning their bills and vocalizing their dissent. The frustration among the public is evident as they demand fair treatment and an end to excessive charges.
Jamaat-i-Islami to Protest Inflated Electricity Bills
Meanwhile, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) announced a nationwide strike on September 2 against the surging electricity bills, further escalating the call for relief. JI Karachi chief Naeemur Rehman labeled the widespread protests across Karachi as a harbinger of the ruling regime’s uncertain future.
بجلی کے بلوں میں اضافے کے خلاف 2 ستمبر کو ملک گیر ہڑتال
عوامی مطالبات#دوستمبرملک_گیرہڑتال pic.twitter.com/M7K66OR2gd— Jamaat e Islami Pakistan (@JIPOfficial) August 28, 2023
As the situation unfolds, the interim government remains focused on addressing the concerns of its citizens, vowing to find equitable solutions within the bounds of its mandate.
