ISLAMABAD: Anwaarul Haq Kakar, Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister, has convened an emergency meeting with provincial chief ministers tomorrow (Monday) to address the escalating concerns surrounding exorbitant electricity bills and to devise strategies for offering relief to consumers across the country.
The first session of the emergency meeting, focused on the surge in electricity bills for the month of July, was presided over by Prime Minister Kakar on Sunday.
According to a press release from the PM Office, during the meeting, Prime Minister Kakar received a detailed briefing on the underlying factors contributing to the excessive electricity bills for the preceding month. In response to the mounting public outcry, he emphasized the urgency of taking tangible actions within the next 48 hours to mitigate the impact of the soaring electricity bills.
Prime Minister Kakar underscored the importance of making informed decisions that would not compromise the nation’s interests or financial stability. He expressed his commitment to adopting measures that would not only alleviate the financial burden on consumers but also ensure that the initiatives implemented do not strain the national exchequer.
Highlighting the need for fairness and equity, Prime Minister Kakar asserted that it was unacceptable for the general populace to face difficulties while those in positions of power enjoyed the privilege of free electricity at the expense of taxpayers. He directed the relevant ministries and institutions to provide comprehensive details about officers and entities benefiting from free electricity.
Measures to Reduce Electricity Bills
Reflecting his dedication to representing the common citizens, Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the necessity of minimizing the cost of electricity within the Prime Minister’s House and the Pakistan Secretariat, even suggesting the reduction of energy consumption, such as turning off the air conditioning.
The forthcoming meeting with provincial chief ministers, scheduled for tomorrow, will focus on the implementation of electricity-saving measures and the resolution of the heightened electricity bill issue for July. Prime Minister Kakar urged distribution companies to outline strategies for curbing electricity theft and to promptly present short, medium, and long-term plans for reforming the power sector.
The initial phase of the emergency meeting, held in Islamabad, saw the attendance of prominent officials, including Interim Cabinet Federal Ministers Shamshad Akhtar, Gohar Ijaz, and Murtaza Solangi, as well as Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Waqar Masood, Secretary Power, Chairman WAPDA, Chairman NEPRA, and other senior figures.
