Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ In the last few days, a surge of intense outrage and vehement protests has swept across various regions of Pakistan, predominantly driven by the alarming escalation of electricity bills. According to local media reports, the protestors are threatening the government that demonstrations will continue if the additional levies are not mitigated. In response to this fervent public sentiment, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar convened an emergency assembly at the Prime Minister’s House.
Notably, Kakar has urged pertinent authorities to devise definitive measures aimed at curbing the escalation of inflated electricity bills. He has mandated the submission of this strategic plan within the ensuing 48 hours. The premier’s directive underscores the urgency of this matter. The surge in electricity prices leading to mass protests that reverberated through prominent cities such as Multan, Lahore, and Karachi, subsequently spreading across the nation’s expanse. Regrettably, in some locales, these demonstrations escalated into violent confrontations, signaling the depth of public exasperation.
As the demonstrations turned intense, the prime minister took to X, formerly Twitter, to articulate the impending course of action, stating that the meeting would encompass comprehensive briefings from the Ministry of Power and the distribution companies. He assured that deliberations would encompass the pursuit of optimal relief for consumers grappling with the burden of electricity bills. His post read, “In the meeting, a briefing will be taken from the ministry of power and distribution companies, and consultations will be held regarding giving maximum relief to consumers regarding electricity bills.”
According to reports, Karachi residents expressed their vehement opposition against the staggering bills delivered by K-Electric, the city’s sole electricity provider. As such, the incensed individuals voiced their objections to bills that, in certain instances, eclipsed their own monthly incomes. Symbolic protests involved congregations in Rawalpindi’s Committee Chowk, where bills were symbolically burned amidst fervent slogans directed at the government’s policies on electricity charges.
Despite Pakistan’s ongoing economic challenges, the nation had anticipated a measure of reprieve following the approval of a $3 billion loan agreement by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This accord, specifically aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s economic resilience, has been regarded as a potential mitigating factor. However, the growing public sentiment surrounding this issue not only highlights the socio-economic strains faced by Pakistani citizens but also underscores the pressing need for a judicious and swift resolution.
