PM hints at significant cut in power tariff

Shehbaz says five-year economic plan on the cards

ISLAMABAD:

As the nation celebrated 77 years of Pakistan's independence on Wednesday amidst spirited slogans and heartfelt prayers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that he would soon share "good news" with the nation regarding reduction in power tariffs and will also outline a new economic plan.

People have been receiving inflated bills for months now as the government keeps increasing electricity prices to cut circular debt as well as implement the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions.

Streets and national monuments across the country were crowded with citizens dressed in vibrant hues of green and white.

The break of dawn was heralded by a resonant 31-gun salute in Islamabad, accompanied by a 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals. Later, prayers were offered for the peace and prosperity of the country.

A number of ceremonies were also held in several cities to commemorate Independence Day.

"Today, people are much worried about inflation, electricity bills, unemployment and other issues," the prime minister said during an event in Islamabad held to mark the 78th Independence Day.

"The government is working day and night to resolve this issue," he said, assuring that in a few days the government will give the nation a "good news" of significant cut in electricity tariffs.

He said that currently electricity bills was the biggest concern of everybody and without reducing the electricity tariffs, Pakistan's industry, agricutlture and exports could not grow.

Furthermore, he said that he would address the nation in a few days in which he would present a five-year economic plan of the country.

He said he was very concerned about providing maximum relief to the people.

Congratulating the nation on the 78th Pakistan Independence Day, he urged the people especially the youth to support the government in its efforts to make the country, prosperous, stable and peaceful.

He said the youth were the bright future of the country who could play their role in the country's development.

"The next few years are crucial for you and the country, so only focus on your studies and attaining skilled-based education, and do not indulge yourself in the negative agenda of the enemy who is out to target you and utilize your capabilities in anti-state activities," he asked the youth while addressing a ceremony held here in connection with the independence day celebrations.

Unfortunately, he said the enemy was now using digital terrorism tools to sabotage the country's development journey.

On the occasion of the Independence Day, the prime minister extended his heartfelt felicitations to the people of Pakistan and paid homage to the immense sacrifices of forefathers and countless unsung heroes of the Pakistan Movement, who fought tirelessly for an independent country for millions in South Asia, where they could live according to their beliefs and values.

As envisioned by Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan emerged as an independent and sovereign state on the map of the world on 14th August 1947 through the unwavering and steadfast leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and unmatched sacrifices of our ancestors, he added.

The prime minister highlighted that although during the past 77 years, the country's journey had not been exemplary but it was also the fact that it managed to survive due to the resilience, its people had shown through natural disasters and economic and social challenges.

"We should learn from our past and move forward with the renewed pledge and resolve to take the country on the path of prosperity and development," he added.

On the occasion, he also paid tribute to the people belonging to various sectors including sports, education, health, etc. He also saluted Olympic hero Arshad Nadeem who won a gold medal for Pakistan in Paris Olympics and was present in the ceremony along with his mother.

The prime minister resolved that in order to fulfil the dream of Quid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he would continue hard work for the county's development.

PM Shehbaz Sharif, on the occasion, also condemned the ongoing Israeli barbarism on the Palestinians saying that the "massacre of thousands of innocent Palestinians has diminished our pleasures on the occasion of independence day".

Similarly, he also expressed the government's resolve to stand by the Kashmiri brothers and sisters until the resolution of the issue according to the will of the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.