The All Pakistan Traders Association has declared a nationwide protest on July 1 against electricity billing practices.
Ajmal Baloch, President of the association, along with other traders, announced this during a joint press conference in Islamabad. Baloch criticized the government for alleged unfairness in electricity bills, citing disparities in charges based on consumption levels and payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in foreign currency.
He stressed that while payments are made for 48,000 megawatts, the actual demand is only 20,000 megawatts.
Baloch called upon traders and the public to join the protests on July 1, warning that if taxes and fixed charges in electricity bills are not abolished by June 30, further actions will be announced. He also demanded a review of IPP contracts that reportedly burden the budget by Rs2,500 billion. Additionally, he highlighted concerns over the cost of providing free electricity to WAPDA employees, placing the burden on the public.
Vice President of the Central Traders Association Rawalpindi, Tariq Jadoon, and President Rawalpindi Cantonment, Sheikh Hafeez, added claims about faster meters installed by WAPDA, alleged to be 30% faster according to NEPRA’s report.
