ISLAMABAD: As protests against inflated power bills continue nationwide, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that reducing electricity costs is a government priority and urged against politicizing the issue.
While chairing a cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the premier stated, “Politicizing the electricity issue is tantamount to insulting people.” He also spoke out against engaging in politics for its own sake.
The prime minister’s remarks came amid protests led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) against the high cost of electricity, which prompted the shutting down of a major road to Islamabad, while traders held protests in several other cities as well.
Protestors are taking to the streets to demand that the government remove the taxes on power consumption, which have led to a huge increase in bills and worsened the situation for consumers, especially those from low- and middle-income families.
While the Shehbaz-led government has held negotiations with the protest leaders, no indication has been given regarding their demand being accepted.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said the party is ready to keep protesting on the streets to oppose the government’s decision on the rising cost of electricity.
During the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30, the federal government approved a 26% increase in electricity costs.
On July 13, the public, already bearing the brunt of rising inflation, suffered another blow as the Shehbaz administration implemented another 20% hike.
Experts at a panel discussion in Karachi noted that they did not expect any decrease in electricity prices because the government decided to use petroleum products and power as “sources of revenue generation.”
In today’s cabinet meeting, the premier stated that the government is aware of the tax burden on the salaried class.
“We have provided Rs50 billion for July, August, and September,” he said, adding that the government has reduced the per-unit electricity cost by Rs8.5 for industries.
He maintained that his administration protected consumers using up to 200 electricity units due to its concern for the salaried class.
PM Shehbaz added that while some taxes are perfectly legitimate, it is unfair to impose additional taxes on taxpayers.
