Karachi: Former Federal Finance Minister and leader of the newly-formed political party Awam Pakistan Party, Miftah Ismail, has demanded the removal of taxes on electricity.
He announced plans to file a petition against K-Electric and vowed to fight for the people.
Addressing Awam Pakistan Party protesters in Karachi, Miftah Ismail said, “If there is no free electricity for the public, then no one should receive it.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had promised 300 free units.”
Miftah Ismail stated, “If you can’t provide free electricity, at least don’t impose taxes. Since 2015, electricity bills have increased by 350%. Has anyone’s salary increased by that much?”
He mentioned that they had promised a peaceful protest, and traffic on one road was flowing smoothly. “The public does not spread unrest until their leaders incite them,” he added.
The former finance minister pointed out that electricity bills include a 24% tax on domestic consumers and a 37% tax on commercial consumers.
“The government has increased its ongoing expenses by 24%, including increased Senate expenses,” he said.
He argued that waiving taxes for domestic consumers for four months would only result in a loss of 50 billion rupees, and reducing taxes would decrease electricity bills by 24%.
He criticized the fact that 10% of consumers do not pay but still receive electricity, and called on K-Electric to stop overbilling. “In poor areas, electricity is cut for 8 to 12 hours, yet bills continue to rise,” he remarked.
Miftah Ismail insisted that if free electricity cannot be provided to them, it should not be provided to anyone.
The Awam Pakistan leader declared, “I will file a petition against K-Electric and we will fight this case for the people.”