Governor Kamran Tessori Demands Punjab-like Electricity Bills Relief for Sindh Residents Amid Rising Economic Strain.
Due to growing concerns over a “sense of despair” among Sindh’s citizens, Governor Kamran Tessori Calls Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to introduce relief in electricity bills similar to the recent initiative by the Punjab government.
Few days ago, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif announced a two-month power subsidy for Punjab residents, offering relief to consumers using up to 500 units in their August and September bills 2024. This move, however, sparked criticism from other provinces, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) condemning the perceived favoritism.
During a press conference, Governor Kamran Tessori highlighted the importance of allocating funds from Sindh’s provincial budget to provide similar relief. “Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah should offer a Rs 14 per unit reduction in electricity bills, akin to Punjab’s initiative,” Kamran Tessori stated, warning that failure to do so could lead to a deepening sense of despair among the people.
In addition to his appeal for electricity bill relief, Governor Kamran Tessori expressed concern over the devastation caused by torrential rains in parts of Sindh, which have left many people homeless. He announced the distribution of ration bags to those affected and confirmed his upcoming visit to the rain-hit areas.
Governor Kamran Tessori also clarified that no provincial funds were used for events at the Governor House, including the cash prize awarded to Arshad Nadeem for winning a gold medal in the Javelin Throw.
The call for relief comes in the wake of a recent electricity price hike imposed by the federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. On July 15, 2024 the base tariff for domestic consumers was increased to Rs 48.84 per unit, affecting consumers across the country, including Karachi. However, consumers using up to 200 units per month have been exempted from this increase for three months.
