In an emergency meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Islamabad, Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has directed relevant authorities to come up with a plan to reduce inflated electricity bills within the next 48 hours. The meeting was called in response to protests by citizens across the country over the high power bills.
During the meeting, PM Kakar emphasized the need to take concrete steps that will not burden the national exchequer and will provide relief to consumers. He also criticized the provision of free electricity to high-ranking officials and called for details of officers receiving such benefits.
He further pledged to implement measures to reduce electricity consumption at the PM House and Pak Secretariat, even if it means turning off the air conditioner in his room. PM Kakar also demanded a roadmap from electricity distribution companies to curb electricity theft and urged the submission of short-, medium-, and long-term plans for reforms in the power sector.
The meeting was attended by interim Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ijaz, interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, and other relevant officials.
Meanwhile, protests against high power bills have been taking place in various cities, including Multan, Lahore, and Karachi. Citizens have expressed their frustration over the exorbitant bills, with some burning their bills in protest. Political parties, including the Jamat-i-Islami (JI), Jamaat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P), have warned of further protests if immediate relief is not provided to the public.
Experts believe that reducing taxes and levies on electricity bills may not be feasible in the short term due to pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to maintain fiscal balance. They suggest that unbundling and privatizing electricity and gas utility companies without political interference may be a solution in the medium to long term.
The interim government is committed to providing relief to the people within its mandate and will continue to seek solutions to address the high electricity bills issue.