Electricity bill hikes have prompted the All Pakistan Traders Association to announce a nationwide protest.
The All Pakistan Traders Association president, Ajmal Baloch, said the increased tariffs are unacceptable and called on Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to rescind the decision during a press conference in Islamabad.
The discontent stems from rising taxes and continuous monthly increases in electricity rates, which have significantly burdened the populace. The association highlighted a specific grievance regarding billing inconsistencies, where the cost dramatically changes if consumption exceeds 200 units by even a single unit.
Amid these financial pressures, Baloch has boldly suggested that the Prime Minister should resign if he cannot manage the government effectively. He criticized the administration for excessive governmental spending, highlighting that independent power producers (IPPs), allegedly owned by government elites, receive payments for 48,000 megawatts of power in dollars. In contrast, the actual national requirement is only about 20,000 megawatts.
The traders’ leader also pointed out that electricity bills now include a 21% sales tax and a 16% income tax, with other taxes also being imposed. In response, traders across the country are set to protest on July 1st, calling for public support in their demonstration against what they describe as the government’s oppressive fiscal policy.
Furthermore, Baloch criticized the lavish expenditures on luxury vehicles for government officials and advisers, suggesting that more modest vehicles could suffice. He drew parallels to conditions in Kashmir, where residents have already refused to pay their bills in protest. He also mentioned that the government imposes a tax of 20,000 rupees per acre, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is tasked with collecting a 10% tax, which he deems excessive.
