On Sunday, Dr Muhammad Hanif Mughal, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Shadbad, said that persistently raising the cost of power is a reprehensible business practice.
As a result of the continued hikes in the power tariff, the economy is being destroyed, and the nation is becoming mentally ill, he said.
Talking to party workers, Dr Hanif Mughal said that many politicians and bureaucrats are the slaves of those who own IPPs; therefore, they are making decisions that are putting the nation’s security at risk.
He said that continuously increasing the price of electricity is extremely dangerous for the country’s future. The power sector is destroying the economy as rising inflation and unemployment have made people’s lives miserable.
He noted that commoners have not been able to educate their children; they have not even been able to provide milk and bring food to the table.
People are forced to pay huge bills even after being deprived of electricity. Still, despite this, electricity prices are continuously increasing so that the interests of politicians and IPP owners can be furthered.
He said that the basic electricity tariff has been increased by 7 rupees 12 paisa per unit while taxes and fixed charges continuously increase. The government has also started increasing the prices of petroleum products, making the lives of the masses difficult.
Dr Hanif Mughal said that the present government has no clear strategy to run the country, which affects its credibility. Increasing the privileges of the elite and the burden of taxes on the common man has risked the political future.
Such decisions are sinking Pakistan into a quagmire, and as a result of which, the country’s security may be at stake, he underlined.
Dr Hanif Mughal said that the budget had reflected the true nature of the rulers. Half of the population of the country is living below the poverty line, and their patience is running out.
He expressed concern over the disproportionate taxation policies, asserting that such measures often lead to significant reductions in disposable income for the average citizen.
He said Pakistan’s interest payments had reached unmanageable levels due to irresponsible spending.
He also criticized the lack of measures to combat smuggling and the absence of economic benefits reaching the people of remote areas.
He warned that if timely measures are not taken, public unrest and protests will increase, which may prove dangerous for the country’s stability.