Over the past week, protests against high electricity prices have shaken Pakistan, with a sizable number of inflation-weary citizens taking to the streets and setting their electricity bills on fire throughout the nation of more than 240 million.
In order to provide relief to electricity consumers, the government turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the cost of electricity nearly doubled in the previous three months to about 50 rupees per unit.
Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the interim prime minister, will obtain cabinet approval of the plan through summary circulation, according to a recent development in the finance ministry. People using up to 200 units of electricity will breathe a sigh of relief after learning this news.
According to reports, the government asked for relief for customers who consume up to 400 units, but a US-based lender reportedly declined to provide relief for a second slab.
If users of up to 200 units have not paid their monthly bills for August on time, they will not be assessed a late surcharge [fine] and are also permitted to pay the amount in installments.
The government launched a severe crackdown on electricity thieves as the nation lost billions to prevent further losses. The interim government announced changes to the Electricity Theft Control Act through an ordinance and plans to set up special courts devoted to reducing electricity theft in response to the rising circular debt.
