KARACHI: The recent announcement by PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif of a Rs 14 per unit reduction in electricity tariffs for Punjab has triggered significant backlash from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan.
Residents of these provinces, feeling left out of the relief, are demanding similar reductions in their electricity bills, arguing that high electricity costs are a nationwide issue. In Karachi, there is a strong sentiment that since the city contributes significantly to tax revenue, it should receive equivalent relief. The local populace is calling for comprehensive relief across all provinces rather than just Punjab.
In Balochistan, the announcement has been labeled as discriminatory. Citizens are criticizing Nawaz Sharif for focusing solely on Punjab and are urging equitable relief measures throughout the country, citing high electricity bills everywhere.
In Peshawar, residents are questioning why they should face higher electricity costs while those in Punjab benefit from lower rates. They are calling on Maryam Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif to extend the tariff reduction to the entire nation.
It is pertinent to mention here that Nawaz Sharif recently revealed a substantial relief measure for Punjab, stating that consumers using up to 500 units of electricity would receive a Rs 14 per unit discount, costing the Punjab government Rs 45 billion.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the Punjab government has allocated Rs 700 billion for a solar panel initiative, which aims to further lower electricity bills in the future.
