Caretaker PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar directs to present concrete plan in next 48 hours rationalizing the power tariff
ISLAMABAD, August 27 (SABAH): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has directed to present concrete plan in next 48 hours rationalizing the power tariff. He said that no such step would be taken in haste which would harm the country.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar chaired an emergency meeting regarding electricity bills in Islamabad on Sunday.
The Caretaker Prime Minister said such measures should be taken, which will not burden the national exchequer and provide convenience to the consumers.
He also directed that short, medium and long term plans should be presented to introduce reforms in power sector.
The Prime Minister also directed the relevant ministries to provide complete details of the officers and institutions enjoying the free electricity.
It was also decided during the meeting that detailed consultation on the issue of excessive bills of July, and implementation of energy saving measures will be discussed with the provincial chief ministers tomorrow (Monday).
Addressing the meeting, PM Kakar said, “We will not take any step in haste that will harm the country. We will take measures that won’t further burden the national exchequer and will facilitate the consumers”.
“It is not possible that while the people face difficulties, high-ranked officials and the prime minister continue to consume free electricity paid for with the taxes people pay.”
Saying so, he directed relevant departments and ministries to submit to him the details of the officers who were being provided free electricity, the PMO statement said.
“I represent the common man,” he said, pledging that measures would be implemented to minimise electricity consumption at the PM House and Pak Secretariat. For that, he added, “even if the air conditioner in my room has to be turned off, do it.”
Regarding tomorrow’s session, the PM said he would hold a detailed consultation with provincial chief ministers on the exorbitant bills for July and the implementation of measures for energy conservation.
The PMO statement said he further sought a roadmap from electricity distribution companies to curb electricity theft.
Moreover, the PM directed relevant authorities to submit a short-, medium- and long-term plan for reforms in the power sector “as soon as possible”.
He later said on X that the interim government would try to provide as much relief to the people as possible while operating within its mandate.
Caretaker Minister for Finance and Revenue Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ijaz, Caretaker Information and Broadcasting Minister Murtaza Solangi, Adviser to PM Kakar on Finance Dr. Waqar Masood Khan, the power secretary, Water and Power Development Authority chairman, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority chairman and other relevant officials attended the meeting, according to the PMO statement.