Islamabad, 31 Aug, 2023 (GNP): In response to growing protests against soaring power tariffs, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar announced that discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were underway to alleviate the burden on the public regarding electricity bills, according to the sources.
As demonstrations continue, the government plans to announce relief measures within the next 48 hours, Kakar assured during a conversation with senior journalists in the capital.
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The premier emphasized that multiple avenues were being explored to extend relief to the masses and downplayed the significance of the electricity bill issue, noting that Pakistan had entered into an agreement with the global lender, necessitating bill payments.
Regarding upcoming elections, Kakar affirmed the government’s commitment to abide by the Supreme Court’s decision on the polling date.
Although dismissing the notion of a crisis, Kakar acknowledged the prevailing challenges and expressed determination to overcome them. He pointed out that efforts to sow uncertainty and discontent among the populace were premeditated.
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Traders have now joined the protests, amplifying their concerns over inflated electricity bills. The demonstrations have spanned across the country for six consecutive days. Notably, citizens in Muzaffarabad observed a wheel-jam strike, while Peshawar’s traders closed shop and Bagh’s tailors took to the streets with their sewing machines.
Amidst the unrest, businesses, petrol pumps, and private educational institutions shut down in Muzaffarabad during the strike. Frustrated citizens, grappling with high inflation, set fire to electricity bills, demanding the retraction of supplementary taxes.
Traders in various cities like Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Quetta, and Vehari also participated in the shutter-down strike.
