High electricity bills are causing a lot of problems for people in Pakistan and making their lives difficult
High electricity bills are causing significant distress for the public in Pakistan. In a report by ARY News anchor Mehr Bokhari, alarming details were disclosed about these bills. The report revealed that ordinary people are struggling with expensive electricity bills, while top officials such as the president, prime minister, and Chief Justice of Pakistan receive unlimited electricity units.
Even after retiring from office, the president of Pakistan continues to receive 2,000 free electricity units every month. If the president passes away, their spouse also gets the same benefit. Similarly, the prime minister of Pakistan also enjoys unlimited free electricity. These revelations highlight disparities in access to essential services between the general public and high-ranking officials in Pakistan.
The Chief Justice gets 2,000 free electricity units every month while serving and after retiring.
The burden of high electricity bills has pushed some people to extreme measures. Recently, a rickshaw driver named Ghulam Muhammad tried to end his life by pouring petrol on himself after receiving an electricity bill of more than 19,000 rupees.
In the last year, the government has raised electricity prices by 67%. Before the elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan People’s Party had promised to provide free electricity units.
Following a summary from NEPRA, the federal cabinet has decided to raise the electricity tariff again. Now, the minimum cost of one unit of electricity for households will be Rs48.84 paisas.
The government is increasing electricity rates based on conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). NEPRA is expected to make a decision on this matter on July 8.
Federal ministers receive 22,000 rupees monthly to cover their electricity bills, while members of the assembly pay their own bills. The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan has access to unlimited electricity units.
Additionally, 199,000 WAPDA employees receive free electricity, which costs the government between Rs8 to 100 billion annually.
