'Unbearable' food, power prices worry Nawaz

LAHORE:

Former prime minister and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has termed the rising electricity bills as "unbearable" for the public, stressing the need for immediate relief.

In a crucial consultative meeting held at the party secretariat in Lahore's Model Town on Thursday, Nawaz chaired discussions that included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior PML-N leaders. The focus of the meeting was on providing relief to people amid soaring inflation, particularly the high cost of electricity.

"These expensive electricity bills are intolerable for the people," Nawaz stated during the meeting. He blamed the PTI government for the economic devastation that led to inflation and skyrocketing bills, adding, "Despite the challenges, people expect relief from us."

The PML-N president acknowledged that the current situation is a test of the party's abilities. "It is a testament to your patriotism that you made political sacrifices to save the country from default and bring back economic stability," he said.

He emphasised that just as the party saved the country from default, it now faces the challenge of protecting the people from financial ruin. "The PML-N has always found a way through difficulties," he added.

In order to activate the PML-N across the country, Nawaz directed that a meeting of the central executive committee be called immediately, while calling for intensifying the party activities.

The PML-N president sought a comprehensive plan for immediate reduction in electricity and food prices.

Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed the party president on the national economic agenda, highlighting that a comprehensive plan has been developed to address the country's issues. He maintained that a three-month relief package has been introduced for electricity consumers using up to 200 units, covering both protected and non-protected categories.

During the meeting, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari presented potential strategies for lowering electricity prices to the participants.

The FBR Chairman, Rashid Mahmood Langrial, presented recommendations for the digitization of Board and improvement in tax system.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, former Punjab chief minister Hamza Shehbaz, federal and provincial ministers and other senior officials of the PML-N.