ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday hailed a relief package announced by the Punjab provincial government for electricity consumers in Pakistan’s most populous province, Sharif’s office said.
Sharif’s elder brother and three-time former PM, Nawaz Sharif, announced Rs14 reduction in per unit price of electricity for consumers using up to 500 units a month in bills for the months of August and September.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from people, with some saying the government should permanently reduce the tariff and others calling for equal relief across the South Asian country.
“The relief of 14 rupees per unit for consumers who consume up to 500 units of electricity is undoubtedly a public-friendly initiative of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the Chief Minister of Punjab,” Sharif was quoted as saying in a statement by his office.
“Work is underway for a long-term solution for reduction in electricity prices and all possible efforts are being made in this regard.”
Pakistan has witnessed protests over inflation and electricity bills in recent weeks, at which protesters demanded the government reduce power tariffs and revoke additional taxes introduced in the last federal budget, amid rising costs-of living in the South Asian nation.
The government raised power prices by 26 percent during the last fiscal year, which ended June 30, before tacking on another 20 percent increase on July 13. Officials say the increases were needed to meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund for a $7 billion loan deal reached last month.
The government has also added a confusing bevy of taxes on top of the base price, adding up to a bill that has more than doubled for some Pakistanis.