Electricity bills have extinguished the stoves of the poor: Qazi Zahid Hussain

Qazi Zahid Hussain, the Central President of Pakistan Awami Tehreek, stated that the 200% increase in electricity bills for those consuming over 201 units is an act of cruelty and a serious violation of human rights, as these unfair and oppressive electricity bills have extinguished the stoves of the poor. He said the rulers are protecting the interests of IPP (Independent Power Producer) companies instead of the people. Therefore, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court should take suo motu notice of this matter and put an end to the economic exploitation of millions of Pakistanis.

The PAT leader urged members of provincial assemblies from all political parties to rise above party interests and pass unanimous resolutions against the oppressive electricity tariff. He added that just as the members were united in increasing their salaries and perks, they should now raise their voices for the millions of low-income Pakistanis.

Qazi Zahid Hussain further said there was a time when governments used to run campaigns to save electricity, but now they are concerned over reduced electricity usage. The reason is the unjust agreements and payments made to IPPs. He stated that replacing hydropower projects with furnace oil, diesel, and gas projects has caused irreversible damage to Pakistan’s economic future.

Qazi Zahid Hussain, Pakistan Awami Tehreek, electricity bills Pakistan, electricity price hike, IPPs Pakistan, economic exploitation, human rights violation, PAT statement, electricity crisis, energy tariff Pakistan, poor affected by electricity bills, Chief Justice suo motu, energy injustice, fuel-based power projects, furnace oil electricity, oppressive tariff, hydropower replacement, inflation Pakistan, cost of living crisis, political response electricity, social justice, electricity burden on poor, energy sector reform, unjust energy policies