Protests and Prime Minister's Response

Published by Hammad Mughal, 27,Aug 2023.



Amidst the ongoing wave of protests spanning the nation, which have entered their third consecutive day, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is taking proactive steps to address the concerns of the people. Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the growing public discontent over inflated electricity bills and rising inflation, the Prime Minister has called for an emergency huddle scheduled for today (Sunday) at his office.

The heart of these protests lies in the public's frustration with the surging costs of electricity and the overall economic strain caused by inflation. In response to these mounting grievances, Prime Minister Kakar is set to lead a discussion aimed at formulating relief measures that can alleviate the burden on the masses. By convening this urgent meeting, the government is demonstrating its commitment to addressing the concerns of its citizens during this challenging time.

The situation in Peshawar has particularly raised concerns due to the intensity of the protests there. Citizens, driven by frustration, have taken to the streets to voice their discontent. This unrest has prompted the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) to take precautionary measures. In light of potential security risks and fears that the protests could escalate into violence or vandalism, PESCO has made a request for police protection.

The visual evidence of the protests, such as the one captured at Novelty Bridge in Faisalabad on August 25, 2023, vividly portrays the public's determination to seek redress for their grievances. The scenes serve as a reminder of the significant impact that economic challenges can have on people's lives and their willingness to raise their voices collectively.

As the nation navigates through these challenging times, the emergency meeting led by Prime Minister Kakar signifies a commitment to finding viable solutions to address the economic concerns of the citizens. The government's responsiveness to the protests and its efforts to engage in meaningful dialogue for potential relief measures showcase a dedication to maintaining stability and safeguarding the well-being of the population.

Protests Against Electricity Tariffs

Published by Hammad Mughal , 27, Aug, 2023

The burden of relentless inflation has already been weighing heavily on citizens' minds, but now, with the surge in power tariffs leading to exorbitant bills and increased taxes, people are taking to the streets in protest. They're rallying together to demand a reduction in electricity bills and the removal of excessive taxes.

Officials from the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) are providing a comprehensive briefing to the Prime Minister, shedding light on the intricacies of electricity tariffs and the factors contributing to the substantial rise in electricity bills.

A clear picture of the tension emerges as the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) reaches out to the Chief of the Capital City Police, Syed Ashfaq Anwar, for assistance. In their letter, they express concern that agitated citizens might venture into several sub-divisions, including Khyber Circle, Hayatabad 2, Tajabad, Landi Arbab, Badaber, and Deh Bahadur, potentially resulting in vandalism and disruption of public property. The letter underlines the real risk to law and order under the current circumstances.

Amid this atmosphere of unrest, the employees at Pesco find themselves in a state of panic, seeking security for both themselves and their assets. The situation has escalated to such a degree that citizens in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, blocked the main road in protest, while in Chunian city, angry power consumers even resorted to burning their bills on Exchange Road.

Protesters nationwide are resolute in their call for lower electricity tariffs and the elimination of excessive taxes from utility bills, warning that they won't settle their bills if their demands are not met. Traders are making their voices heard as well, taking to the streets in Hafizabad and Okara's Hujra Shah Muqeem, expressing their dissatisfaction with rallies and symbolic acts like burning electricity cables.

The wave of demonstrations spans cities including Faisalabad, Lahore, Risalpur, and Nowshehra district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where citizens are making their discontent evident. Notably, political parties like the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) are also joining the chorus of condemnation against the tariff hike and additional taxes on power bills.

In the midst of these protests, there's a palpable fear of the situation escalating into violence. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the Convener of MQM-P, voiced his concerns in a press conference, emphasizing the government's responsibility to take swift relief measures. He spotlighted the struggles faced by power consumers in Karachi and Hyderabad, drawing attention to the unjust pressure being placed on them.

The frustration deepens as Siddiqui points out that despite enduring prolonged hours of load shedding, bills remain unchanged. In a previous move, the federal cabinet, led by former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved a significant increase in the base tariff of electricity. This decision, driven by factors including rupee devaluation, inflation, and IMF conditions for energy sector reforms, led to a rise of up to Rs7.50 per unit against the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority's (Nepra) determined average tariff.

This increase aimed to boost revenue collection for the loss-making power distribution companies (Discos) during the current fiscal year. However, the actual tariff's impact is much more substantial when considering surcharges, taxes, duties, and levies, along with monthly and quarterly adjustments. The situation paints a vivid picture of the frustrations and complexities entangled within the struggle against rising power costs and excessive taxation.