ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar sought more time to decide on exorbitant electricity bills, triggering massive protest across country.

According to statement issued by Prime Minister Office after emergency meeting held under PM Kakar, it was decided that no step would be taken in haste which would harm country. PM directed authorities to take “Concrete steps” for reduction in inflated electricity bills and present plan to him within next 48 hours.

Sources said that decision could not be made today to provide immediate relief to public from electricity bills and there will be another session today regarding electricity rates and bills. Sources informed that caretaker Prime Minister sought reports and recommendations to provide relief to public. Premier convened an emergency meeting after widespread protests in multiple cities where people set their electricity bill on fire and blocked roads, demanding reversal of hike in power tariff and imposition of additional taxes. Power Ministry officials briefed Prime Minister on electricity prices. They said National Electric Power and Regulatory Authority is relevant body to fix power tariff in country, adding that rates were revised under consumer price index. Officials said fuel cost adjustment impacted electricity prices, adding that price of imported coal had also surged to Rs 61,000 metric tonne as compared to previous rate of Rs 51,000 metric tonne.

Power Division official said increase in electricity prices would not affect 63.5 percent of total consumers as it would be applicable to those consuming more than 400 units.

They said power tariff had been increased by up to Rs 6.5 per unit for 31.6 percent domestic consumers, adding that Rs 7.5 per unit hike had been approved for only 4.9 percent consumers. They said average increase for domestic users stood at Rs 3.82 per unit revealed that per unit price in August 2023 is standing at Rs 33.89.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 28 2023

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