Miftah Ismail urges govt to address overbilling, end load-shedding

KARACHI: Miftah Ismail, a prominent leader of the Awaam Pakistan Party, has called for an immediate cessation of overbilling by power distribution companies (DISCOs).

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Ismail highlighted the growing concerns over inflated electricity bills, despite frequent power outages that leave consumers without electricity for up to twelve hours at a time.

Ismail emphasised that the issue of overbilling needs urgent attention and called for a reduction in power outages, particularly in rural areas where load-shedding remains a significant problem despite no corresponding decrease in electricity bills.

He further criticised the current governance system, asserting that it prioritises bureaucratic interests over public service. According to Ismail, the electricity sector operates for the benefit of the government rather than the people, and similarly, the railway services do not cater to consumer needs effectively.

The Awami Pakistan Party leader urged the government to take decisive action for the betterment of the public. He stressed the need for a shift in the prevailing mindset towards public service and called for an immediate reduction of the 24 per cent tax on electricity.

He suggested that this tax, which he claims costs around Rs50 billion, should be reduced from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and the fuel tax on grid operations should be eliminated.

Ismail announced plans for a symbolic protest at the Karachi Electric office and demanded that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) address the issue of overbilling.

He proposed that the government remove sales tax and advance income tax on domestic electricity bills from July to September, which he believes would reduce consumer bills by 24 per cent. He also urged the government to cut its own expenses to better meet public needs.

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