Inflation: Record-breaking electricity tariff raises residents’ temperatures

Residents warn of protests if hike not withdrawn.

SUKKUR: Tall promises made by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during its election campaign have proved to be hollow, complained a resident of Sukkur, adding that people are grappling with record-breaking hike in electricity tariff and petroleum products’ prices announced on Monday.

Ghulam Muhammad angrily pointed out that the PML- N slapped heavy taxes on the people, who were already reeling under the heavy weight of inflation. Recalling Mian Nawaz Sharif’s addresses at public gatherings during the election campaign, he said, the leader held the PPP government responsible for the soaring prices, and promised to provide relief to the people of Pakistan.

The PPP government, during its five-year tenure, had taken whatever we possessed, said another citizen, Karam Ali. But the PML-N government has crossed all limits during its first 100 days, he said, wondering what will happen to the people if it stays in power for five years. “I think the PML-N leader is taking revenge from the people of Pakistan for his 14-year exile”, he said. Electricity was already costly for the poor and now it is beyond their reach. Is the government forcing us to ggo for electricity theft? he asked.

A clerk, Abdul Qudoos, said those paying electricity bills regularly may get involved in electricity theft. Why do politicians promise things they can’t deliver? he asked. Our salaries, he said, were raised by 10 per cent, while the inflation has gone up by 200 per cent, which is highly condemnable.

Sukkur Small Traders Association president Jawed Memon talking to The Express Tribune said the prices have surged immensely and the recent hike in electricity and petrol prices will add to the miseries of the people. People from all walks of life, including the traders’ community, have rejected this increase and may launch protests if the government fails to withdraw this increase, he said.

Social activist Sanam Fakir said the PML-N is doing the exact reverse of what it promised.

She said the massive levels of corruption are the root cause of economic disaster in Pakistan, but instead of bringing it to an end, the government is putting extra burden on the people. She was of the view that the government could generate extra revenue through levying tax on the elite class, besides curtailing its own expenses.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2013.