Punjab-centric electricity relief package sparks debate

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Friday announced Rs14 per unit decrease in electricity bills for consumers using up to 500 units in August and September.

Addressing press conference along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the former prime minister said that the provincial executive had diverted funds from the developmental budget to provide relief to the people.

The former prime minister further said that Punjab government had allocated Rs700 billion for a solar program aimed at providing relief to middle class.

Following the announcement, citizens in other provinces of Pakistan have expressed outrage over the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s decision to announce relief measures exclusively for Punjab.

The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the government should provide equal relief to all provinces.

In Karachi, residents questioning why they should be denied the same benefits as their fellow citizens getting in Punjab.

Similarly, in Balochistan, citizens have denounced the power tariff reduction as a biased move.

In Peshawar, citizens are demanding equal treatment, asking why they should bear the brunt of higher electricity costs while Punjab enjoys reduced electricity prices.