Pakistan is witnessing widespread protests across the country due to the surge in electricity bills. The current caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, is actively seeking solutions to alleviate the burden on the public, who are grappling with the economic downturn.
The protesters, joined by outgoing ruling parties, are demanding the reversal of the recent exorbitant increase in electricity prices and the imposition of additional taxes that have added to their financial strain.
Amid these core demands, attention has shifted to the benefits provided to employees of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and other government officials, in the form of free electricity.
The protesters are urging the immediate withdrawal of the provision of free electricity units to government employees, stressing that it’s the common citizens who ultimately bear the cost of this facility.
Cost of Free Electricity to Power Sector Employees
A revelation has come to light that the Power Division employees are availing themselves of free electricity worth Ruppees 13 billion annually. These employees receive several units of electricity without charge.
- Employees in Grades 1 to 4 are granted 100 units of free electricity per month, with an additional 50 units post-retirement.
- For Grades 5 to 10 employees, there’s an entitlement of 150 free units per month during their tenure, which reduces to 75 units per month post-retirement.
Officials in Grades 11 to 15 receive 200 units of free electricity during their active service and 100 units after retirement.
This disclosure coincides with protests against the recent electricity price hike, with power consumers expressing their dissatisfaction by burning utility bills and chanting slogans against both power utilities and the government.
Demands for Change and Addressing the Issue
Citizens, already frustrated with inflated bills due to recent tariff hikes, have taken to social media to share alleged Power Division bills depicting high electricity consumption but minimal charges.
The public is now demanding the discontinuation of this facility, arguing that the expense of free electricity for Power Division employees is unjustly borne by ordinary people.
Change in Free Electricity Allocation
- Grade 16 officers are given 300 free units, Grade 17 officers receive 450 units, and Grade 18 officials are provided with 600 units per month.
- Higher-ranking officers in Grade 19 and Grade 20 receive 880 units and 1,110 units respectively. Grade 21 and 22 officials are allocated 1,300 free units monthly.
Sources have indicated that the provision of free electricity units will cease for officers above Grade 17. Instead, these officials will receive a corresponding amount in their salaries.
A formal proposal has been prepared for submission to the cabinet. Upon cabinet approval, this facility will be discontinued.
Government’s Response and Plans for the Future
Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss measures to alleviate the burden of electricity bills for the public.
During a meeting in Islamabad addressing electricity bill increases, power theft, and sector challenges, he urged relevant ministries and departments to propose effective solutions to lower escalated electricity bills.
Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed the presentation of short, medium, and long-term reform plans for the electricity sector as soon as possible.
Prime Minister Kakar is expected to convene another meeting to decide on the future course of action regarding free electricity for government employees and other measures aimed at relieving the public of their financial burden.
