'Persistent increase in power tariff harmful for masses and economy'

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Shadbad (PTS), Dr Muhammad Hanif Mughal has said that persistent increase in cost of electricity is destructive for masses and economy as well.

Talking to party workers here on Sunday, he said that continuous raise in power tariff was a reprehensive business practice which has destroyed the economy and turned nation mentally ill.

Dr Hanif Mughal said that politicians and bureaucrats were the slaves of those who own IPPs; therefore, they were making decisions that were putting the nation's security at risk.

He said that constant rise in electricity prices was extremely dangerous for the country's future. The power sector is destroying the economy as rising inflation and unemployment have made people's lives miserable.

Commoners have not been able to educate their children; they have not even been able to provide milk and bring food to the table, he noted.

The PTS chairman was of the view that people were forced to pay huge bills even after being deprived of electricity. Despite this, electricity prices were continuously increasing so that the interests of politicians and IPP owners can be furthered, he added.

He said that the basic electricity tariff has been increased by 7 rupees 12 paisa per unit while taxes and fixed charges continuously increase. The government has also started increasing the prices of petroleum products, making the lives of the masses difficult.

Dr Hanif Mughal said that the present government has no clear strategy to run the country, which affects its credibility. Increasing the privileges of the elite and the burden of taxes on the common man has risked the political future.

Such decisions were sinking Pakistan into a quagmire, and as a result of which, the country's security may be at stake, he underlined.

The PTS chairman said that the budget had reflected the true nature of the rulers. Half of the population of the country was living below the poverty line, and their patience was running out.

He expressed concern over the disproportionate taxation policies, asserting that such measures often lead to significant reductions in disposable income for the average citizen.

Dr Hanif Mughal said Pakistan's interest payments had reached unmanageable levels due to irresponsible spending.

He also criticized the lack of measures to combat smuggling and the absence of economic benefits reaching the people of remote areas.

The PTS chairman warned that if timely measures were not taken, public unrest and protests will increase, which could prove dangerous for the country's stability.