Islamabad: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar stated that matter of skyrocketing electricity bills is being discussed with International Monetary Fund (IMF), adding that government would fulfil its obligations to global lender “At all costs”.

Speaking to senior journalists and anchorpersons here, he said consumers will have to pay electricity bills. Statement came days after IMF refused to immediately approve Pakistan’s request for recovering August’s electricity bills over period of six months amid raging protests in many parts of country that continued against back-breaking bills. So far, caretaker government has failed to come up with any solution. It is trying to avoid breaching conditions of IMF programme.

Caretaker PM said government has given proposals to IMF, adding that inflation was not that big issue to go on strike. “We will not make false promises nor would we deviate from our responsibilities. We will let everyone know measures we cannot take and why,” he added.

PM Kakar said that Election Commission of Pakistan will give final date for holding elections and interim setup would conclude following elections. He acknowledged being informed recently about protests concerning inflated electricity bills.

He said that interim setup does not have any “Hidden agenda, plans or ambitions”. “It is not like some oppressive rulers have come to power and were draining resources of impoverished,” he added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 01 2023

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