In Gujranwala, an argument over exorbitant electricity bill led to a tragic incident in which a man killed his brother.
According to media reports, the incident happened on Prince Road in Gujranwala. Brothers identified as Murtaza and Umar Farooq engaged in a heated argument over the inflated electricity bill, resulting in the elder brother killing the younger brother in rage.
Murtaza cut the throat of Umar Farooq with a
sharp object. Farooq died on the spot. A case has been registered against Murtaza and Police are conducting raids to apprehend Murtaza.
A similar incident occurred in Faisalabad. Ghulam Fareed was stabbed to death by his younger brother Muhammad Qais following an argument on an electricity bill. The exorbitant bills are causing severe household disputes.
Citizens from across Pakistan have decried the unreasonably high electricity bills. The government has jacked up the prices of electricity and has imposed a dozen taxes on the consumption of electricity. Rising inflation, taxes, and unbearable power bills are stifling the citizens.
Earlier this year in March, Pakistan had assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of timely increases in electricity prices, aiming to recover pending generation costs exceeding Rs. 210 billion. Additionally, Islamabad pledges to transfer power distribution companies to the private sector, marking a significant policy shift.
During negotiations for a $1.1 billion loan tranche release, Pakistan emphasized commitments to ensure the power sector’s financial sustainability. The government aims to finalize annual base tariff adjustments by June, with implementation scheduled for July, marking the third consecutive year of electricity price hikes.
In a substantial move, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) in June had announced a nearly 20% increase in the uniform national tariff, aiming to generate about Rs3.8 trillion for the 10 ex-WAPDA electricity distribution companies (Discos) during the fiscal year 2024-25. The Rs5.72 per unit hike, effective from July 1, will provide Rs485 billion in additional revenue to Discos, aiding the government’s efforts to secure an IMF bailout in July.
