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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has summoned a meeting of the federal cabinet on Tuesday (today) to discuss the issues of inflated bills after protests across the country.
The cabinet meeting will discuss proposals related to a reduction in electricity bills. The meeting has been called after two rounds of consultations with officials to provide relief proved inconclusive.
The Ministry of Energy has finalized recommendations on electricity bills to be submitted to the Federal Cabinet for approval.
The ministry held a high-level meeting and finalized proposals on the matter. The cabinet will make a final decision as the authorized forum to approve proposals and make decisions.
The caretaker prime minister on Monday held consultations with the Energy Minister and provincial chief ministers regarding electricity rates and excessive billing but stopped short of providing immediate relief.
They also considered the issue regarding the provision of free electricity supply to the employees and officers of concerned institutions.
The Energy Minister presented various options regarding possible relief in electricity bills. They also reviewed taxes included in electricity bills.
According to reports, a decrease in the bills by the government was not likely to be announced. Instead the government could look towards an option to pay July’s electricity bills in multiple installments.
The prime minister had already indicated on Monday that the government would not make hasty decisions that could imperil the economy.
However, he also said that the government would do its best to provide relief to the public and also issued orders to crack down on electricity theft.