Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar on Sunday instructed relevant authorities to adopt concrete measures within the next 48 hours aimed at reducing burden on the masses amid a public outcry over astronomical electricity bills.
The prime minister had called an emergency meeting, which lasted for nearly two hours, in a bid to address the complaints about excessive electricity bills.
PM Kakar, addressing the participants, said that no hasty decision would be taken that could harm the country’s interests, emphasising the need for initiatives that do not burden the national treasury and bring relief to consumers too.
The government’s actions were prompted by ongoing nationwide protests that began days ago and showed no sign of slowing down with the citizenry vowing to take drastic action if their grievances were not addressed promptly.
Officials of the relevant authorities including the power ministry and distribution companies were in attendance at the meeting.
He said he represented the common man, adding the electricity expenditure of the Prime Minister House and Pakistan Secretariat should be reduced as much as possible.
“Even switch off the air-conditioner of my room if this is needed,” he remarked.
He said detailed consultation would be held with provincial chief ministers on Monday on steps to save electricity and on the issue of increased electricity bills in July.