—– Leghari dismisses claims that electricity prices would not be lowered, clarifying that these reports were inaccurate
By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: Energy Minister Awais Leghari has reassured the public that electricity prices will soon be reduced, dismissing claims that they would not be lowered, Express News reported.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he stated, “The prime minister will soon announce good news. Whether we make the reduction two days earlier or two days later, we will do it as soon as the right time comes.”
Leghari dismissed claims that electricity prices would not be lowered, clarifying that these reports were inaccurate.
In response to a question about whether the government would pass on the benefit of not reducing petroleum product prices to the public, he replied, “We are firm in our commitments; our word is not like the previous government’s.”
It is worth noting that on March 15, the government had decided to keep the prices of petroleum products at their current levels, despite expectations of a significant reduction in prices due to international market conditions. Instead, the government increased taxes on petroleum products by Rs10 per litre.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had mentioned that while petroleum product prices were maintained at the current level, a major decision had been made to transfer the benefits of reduced electricity prices to the public.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the prime minister also stated that a comprehensive package to reduce electricity rates was being prepared and would be announced in the coming weeks.
In a separate interaction with journalists in Lahore, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik expressed the government’s determination to provide all possible facilities to the public.
He also stated that the prime minister would soon present a comprehensive relief package for electricity consumers. However, he clarified that the reduction in electricity prices would not be temporary but part of a long-term strategy.
