Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar recently held a press conference where he urged the public to pay their electricity bills, stating that negotiations with global lenders are ongoing. He announced plans to reform several sectors, including agriculture, minerals, information technology, and textiles, emphasizing the mineral wealth in Balochistan.
Kakar also promised a relief package for future electricity consumption, which comes after a week of uncertainty and varying statements from government officials. He affirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling agreements with multilateral financial institutions and dismissed claims of oppressive rule.
Prime Minister Kakar stated that reports of some sections using free units were being investigated and that nothing posted on social media should be taken as “gospel truth.” Should I believe it if someone says here that judges, generals, and Wapda workers get free electrical units? We must formally enquire as to the truth of the situation. It is a mixture.
He claimed that the military had told him that unlike the Air Force and the Navy, they did not use any free units. According to PM Kakar, “They pay from their budget, which is their allotted budgetary position.”
He went on to say that contrary to what was depicted on social media, free units were not consumed in the judiciary. The premier declared that only Wapda employees, particularly officers in grades 17 to 22, were eligible for free units. He claimed that under a government plan, Wapda employees in grades 16 and below will be eligible for free power, but officials in grades 17 and higher will not be eligible for this benefit.
In summary, Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has announced plans for reform in several sectors and promised a relief package for future electricity consumption. He emphasized the importance of paying electricity bills and fulfilling agreements with multilateral financial institutions.
The government is committed to addressing issues in the power sector and ensuring fair elections. The role of the IMF in energy reforms was also discussed. Overall, the press conference provided insight into the government’s plans for addressing current challenges and improving conditions for the people of Pakistan.
