Hafiz Naeem rejects new electricity tariffs, demands more cuts
Pakistan
PML-N, PPP, PTI, PDM supported IPPs while MQM played part to privatize K-Electrict: JI Chief
KARACHI (Dunya News) - Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticised the federal government’s recent announcement of a reduction in electricity tariffs, calling the measure inadequate and demanding more.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s relief of Rs7.41 per unit was insufficient.
“The burden on the people must be reduced more substantially. Every past government has been involved in the current energy mess,” he stated while pointing fingers at successive regimes including the PML-N, PPP, PTI, and the PDM coalition for supporting Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
He further claimed that K-Electric was sold for the price of “mere utility poles,” alleging that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) played a role in the controversial privatisation of the power utility.
Read also: Farooq Sattar sees room for further Rs6 power tariff cut
“The IPPs must undergo a forensic audit. They receive hefty capacity payments and yet dodge taxes. Over the past few years alone, they have been granted tax exemptions worth Rs1,700 billion,” Hafiz Naeem asserted.
He accused all mainstream political parties of harbouring mafias within their ranks who protect each other’s interests. “When the stakes benefit a few vested interests, everyone joins hands,” he remarked.
The JI chief said that his party compelled the government to enter into an agreement instead of letting it off the hook. He announced that a detailed action plan would be unveiled on April 7 following consultations in Lahore.
Commenting on the global oil market, he noted that petroleum prices had fallen internationally, yet the benefits were not being passed on to Pakistani consumers. “How can businesses survive when petrol remains expensive and electricity rates are barely lowered?” he asked.
