Summary:
- MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal criticizes Nawaz Sharif for only offering electricity relief in Punjab.
- Sharif’s announcement included a Rs14 per unit cut for consumers using up to 500 units, effective for August and September.
- Kamal demands nationwide price cuts and a comprehensive strategy to address Pakistan’s electricity issues.
In a press conference held in Karachi on August 17, 2024, Mustafa Kamal, a prominent leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), harshly criticized Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif for announcing electricity price relief exclusively for Punjab. The relief package, which includes a Rs14 per unit reduction for consumers using up to 500 units of electricity, will apply to bills for August and September.
Kamal argued that instead of a regional relief effort, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif should have implemented a nationwide reduction in electricity prices. He emphasized that the reduction should be at least Rs20 per unit across the entire country to address the widespread dissatisfaction.
The MQM-P leader expressed frustration over what he described as an inequitable solution that exacerbates regional disparities. He proposed that the government should negotiate with local and public independent power producers (IPPs) to address the issue of inflated electricity bills, before engaging with foreign IPPs bound by international agreements.
Kamal also suggested the privatization of electricity distribution companies and licensing more firms in each region to foster competition and reduce costs. He noted that while Pakistan can generate more than 45,000 megawatts of electricity, its transmission infrastructure can only handle between 22,000 and 25,000 megawatts, contributing to inefficiencies and higher costs.
