‘Not just in Punjab’: MQM-P, JI demand reduction in electricity tariffs across Pakistan

Announcement of reduced electricity rates in Punjab has deepened feelings of deprivation elsewhere, says Kamal

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) and Jamaat-e-Islami have called for a reduction in electricity tariffs across the entire country, not just in Punjab, and the implementation of a uniform tariff nationwide.

Senior MQM-P leader and Member of the National Assembly, Mustafa Kamal, criticised Nawaz Sharif’s announcement of reduced electricity rates in Punjab, stating that it has deepened feelings of deprivation across Pakistan. "Reducing electricity bills only for the people of Punjab sends the wrong message," Kamal said.

He further commented that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, rather than Nawaz Sharif, should have addressed the nation. Labeling Nawaz Sharif’s press conference as disappointing, Kamal demanded that electricity prices be reduced by up to Rs20 per unit across the country.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman echoed similar sentiments, stating that the relief in electricity prices announced by Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz for Punjab should be extended to all of Pakistan.

"If electricity prices can be reduced in Punjab, why not in Sindh?" Rehman questioned, adding that former President Asif Ali Zardari represents the federation, which operates on taxes collected from Karachi.

In response to Mustafa Kamal’s statement on the social media platform X, Maryam Nawaz asserted that "Punjab did not receive relief for free; it paid Rs45 billion from its budget." She suggested Kamal discuss with his provincial government to provide similar relief to the people of Sindh.

Mustafa Kamal responded on social media, thanking Maryam Nawaz for her advice. He added that had the Sindh government behaved better over the past 15 years, MQM-P wouldn’t need to unconditionally support them.

He urged the prime minister to have mercy on the people of Sindh, particularly Karachi, reminding him of his promises to provide relief and expressing hope for their fulfilment.