In a move to quell mounting discontent over skyrocketing electricity bills, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar directed the authorities concerned on Sunday to devise concrete measures within the next 48 hours aimed at alleviating the burden on the public.
Amidst nationwide protests and fervent outcry over soaring electricity costs in the midst of runaway inflation, Kakar's rallying cry for action arrives in the midst of broader political, economic, and constitutional uncertainties.
While the meeting on Sunday yielded no definitive actions, Kakar expressed the need for a roster of individuals and entities benefiting from free electricity, urging the concerned ministries and departments to provide this information. Additionally, he instructed power distribution companies to outline a strategy for tackling electricity theft.
نگران وزیرِ اعظم انوار الحق کاکڑ کے زیرِ صدارت بجلی کے نرخوں سے متعلق اجلاس کا پہلا دور۔ pic.twitter.com/GYPO7Ik10J
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) August 27, 2023
In an emergency session that extended for almost two hours, the PM emphasized the necessity of implementing reforms and establishing viable short-, medium-, and long-term strategies within the power sector. These measures are deemed crucial for alleviating the challenges burdening the populace.
Kakar denounced the paradox of everyday citizens wrestling with the burden of substantial electricity bills, juxtaposed against government officials enjoying tax-funded electricity perks. He instructed the concerned ministries and departments to provide a comprehensive report detailing the institutions and individuals receiving complimentary electricity benefits.While positioning himself as a representative of the common man, Prime Minister Kakar proposed cost-cutting measures, including reducing power expenses at the Prime Minister House and the Pakistan Secretariat.
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Advocating for the cost-cutting measures even within the echelons of power, the interim prime minister stated that “even the air-conditioner in my room can be switched off if necessary.”
Sunday’s emergency meeting, where the prime minister along with the representatives from energy and electricity-related ministries, deliberated on the ways to tackle the issue, while simultaneously ensuring that no decision should violate any conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The discussions centred on the pressing issue of exorbitant electricity bills and the dire need for addressing the grievances of the citizens. During the deliberations, the power ministry gave a detailed briefing on the nuances of electricity transmission and tariffs.
Kakar said that rash decisions that might jeopardise the country’s interests, especially because the country currently under an IMF programme, were off the table. He underscored the urgency of such measures that not only eased pressure on the national treasury but also offer respite to the consumers.
The prime minister along with the caretaker federal ministers, advisers, and high-ranking officials from various key departments gathered at the Prime Minister House to come up with measures that could provide relief to masses and avert larger-scale demonstrations.
Since no decision could be taken, Kakar adjourning the meeting for a day with directions to the officials concerned to present plans that could resolve the issue, and scheduled consultations with the chief ministers for Monday (today) as well to discuss electricity-saving strategies and the issue of inflated bills.
The collective effort aims at finding solutions to save electricity and effectively addressing the ballooning bills that have pushed the people to a breaking point.
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The government swung into action after the people across the country started protesting against the shockingly high electricity bills that landed on their doorsteps this month. On Saturday, Kakar had called the meeting after nationwide protest erupted and the trend against massive electricity bills started on social media.
The general public and trade associations have initiated large-scale protests against electricity bills and heavy taxes, with demonstrations being held in different cities pushing the government to finally take notice.
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