Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar recently conducted a press briefing in which he called upon the public to settle their electricity bills, citing ongoing negotiations with international lenders. He unveiled his intentions to overhaul various sectors, including agriculture, minerals, information technology, and textiles, with a particular emphasis on the mineral resources in Balochistan.
Furthermore, Kakar pledged to introduce a relief package for forthcoming electricity consumption, following a week of uncertainty marked by conflicting statements from government officials. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding agreements with global financial institutions and dismissed accusations of oppressive governance.
Prime Minister Kakar noted ongoing investigations into reports of certain segments benefiting from complimentary electricity units, cautioning against accepting social media claims as absolute truth. He urged thorough inquiries into allegations that judges, military personnel, and Wapda workers receive free electricity units, asserting that the reality was more nuanced.
Regarding the military, Kakar clarified that unlike the Air Force and Navy, they did not avail themselves of free units and covered their electricity expenses from their allocated budget.
He also clarified that, contrary to social media portrayals, the judiciary did not consume free units. The Prime Minister indicated that only Wapda employees, specifically those in the 17 to 22 grade range, were entitled to this benefit. He announced that, under a government initiative, Wapda employees in grades 16 and below would soon be eligible for complimentary power, while officials in grades 17 and higher would not enjoy this privilege.
In summary, Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has outlined ambitious plans for reforming various sectors and has committed to offering relief for future electricity consumption. He stressed the importance of settling electricity bills and upholding agreements with international financial institutions. The government’s dedication to addressing power sector issues and ensuring fair elections was underscored, with a particular mention of the IMF’s role in energy reforms. Overall, the press conference shed light on the government’s strategies for addressing current challenges and enhancing the well-being of Pakistan’s populace.