Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter |
Pakistani nationals are facing another turmoil of inflated electricity bills across the country that triggered protests around the major cities of Pakistan.
The massive increase in the electricity prices led the people to burn their electricity bills, blocking roads, and attacking the offices of power companies in frustration by the consumers and the traders.
The electricity bills including extra taxes has burdened the lives of a common person. Every person is crying with the words “these bills are unbearable for us to pay”.
Qamar, resident of Sialkot city is a common tailor, living in a rented house and taking care of his one daughter, wife, sick mother and father. He told Newsnomics that he received an electricity bill of Rs.60,000 (194$) that is much higher than his income.
How could we survive, if we pay the bills, we will have nothing to eat.” Qamar said
Shennaz a citizen of Rawalpindi told Newsnomics, “She received the electricity bill of Rs.37,000 (120$). Shehnaz works as a maid in three houses and hardly earn Rs.25,000 for raising up her two kids. She is a widow whose husband has died two years ago and she is taking care of her two kids alone.
“The high inflation in Pakistan is killing us and the increased electricity bills are another addition in it.” she spoke.
Mohammad Imran, resident of Lahore is working as a delivery man at the pizza shop. Imran told Newsnomics that he received the electricity bill of Rs.40,000 even he doesn’t have refrigerator, washing machine, and other electronic machines for daily use at home.
“My family and kids are already spending difficult life and the electricity bills add more difficulties. Who will justify us.”
The interim government, amidst nationwide protests against inflated electricity bills intends to grant relief of Rs3,000 to the consumers utilized up to 300 electricity units in their bills for October.
Additionally, the substantial relief of Rs.1300 will be granted to the consumers charged with electricity bills ranging from Rs60,000 to Rs70,000.
Furthermore, the sources reported ongoing discussions between the caretaker government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding relief measures for power consumers.
"We have shared the required data with the Fund people hoping that IMF may today (Monday) come up with its response with ‘yes or no’ to the assertions of the Finance and Power Divisions, seeking permission for relief to inflation-stricken people in electricity bills,” some top sources engaged with the IMF told the publication.
"At the moment, authorities of both Power and Finance divisions are in hectic talks with the Fund people on the data related to suggested measures for solace in power tariffs and their possible impact on circular debt, cash flow situation and further delays to IPPs, ultimately making the power sector more unsustainable.”
Earlier, the International momentary Fund (IMF)briefed about the said proposal, under which some portion of the tariff — up to 30% for August and September — would be scaled down and the impact of reduced tariff would be passed on to consumers in six months of the winter season, from October 2023 to March 2024 in a staggered manner.
