Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing electricity bills amid ongoing protests across Pakistan over soaring power costs.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Friday, PM Shehbaz emphasised that the issue of electricity tariffs should not be politicised, describing such actions as an insult to the public.
PM Shehbaz’s comments come in response to widespread demonstrations led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and other groups. Protesters, who have rallied in various cities and blocked major roads, are demanding the removal of taxes that have contributed to a significant increase in electricity bills.
The escalating energy costs have particularly burdened low- and middle-income households.
Despite negotiations between the government and protest leaders, there has been no indication that their demands will be met. JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has stated that the party is prepared to maintain its protests to oppose the government’s stance on rising electricity prices.
The federal government implemented a 26 per cent increase in electricity rates for the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30. On July 13, an additional 20 per cent hike was introduced, compounding the financial strain on consumers already grappling with high inflation.
Experts have suggested that no immediate reduction in electricity prices is expected due to the government’s reliance on energy and petroleum products as sources of revenue.
During the cabinet meeting, Sharif acknowledged the financial burden on the salaried class, revealing that the government has allocated Rs50 billion to support consumers through July, August, and September.
Additionally, he noted that the government has reduced electricity costs for industries by Rs8.5 per unit and continues to protect consumers using up to 200 units of electricity.
Sharif emphasised that while some taxation is necessary, excessive tax burdens on taxpayers are not justified.
