Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Demands Discounted rate of Rs. 10 per unit
The resolution proposes a priority system, advocating that KP’s electricity needs be met first, with surplus power then being distributed to other provinces.
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has submitted a resolution to its provincial assembly secretariat calling for a significant reduction in electricity prices and an exemption from load-shedding for the province.
The resolution, submitted by government member Fazl Elahi, highlights KP’s dual role as both a generator and consumer of electricity. The text argues that despite generating electricity, the province is forced to purchase it from the federal government at exorbitant rates between Rs. 70-80 per unit.
Adding insult to injury, the resolution emphasizes that residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa endure power outages alongside the rest of the country. In light of these factors, the resolution urges the federal government to sell electricity to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at a discounted rate of Rs. 10 per unit and exempt the province from load-shedding entirely.
The resolution proposes a priority system, advocating that KP’s electricity needs be met first, with surplus power then being distributed to other provinces.
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This move by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan’s energy sector, particularly the disparity in electricity prices and distribution across different provinces. The resolution’s fate now lies with the provincial assembly, and whether it gains traction on the national level remains to be seen.
Public’s Frustration May Soon Boil over on Persistent Load Shedding Crisis: KP CM
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has expressed grave concerns over the severe load shedding plaguing the province, warning that the public’s frustration may soon boil over if the situation remains unchecked.
During a crucial meeting on electricity load shedding, attended by high-ranking officials including the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary Interior, and Secretary Energy, the Chief Minister reviewed the ongoing power crisis, particularly its impact during Eid-ul-Azha.
Authorities reported significant improvements in recoveries, with about one billion rupees collected from high-loss areas in the past month, aided by provincial government support. Despite promises of zero load shedding during Eid, many areas experienced 12 to 18 hours of outages, leading to 81 protests since May 1, 2024.
For the first time, women participated in protests against the power cuts, highlighting the widespread frustration. The Chief Minister stressed the urgency of resolving the issue, noting that the ongoing unannounced load shedding is making life unbearable for residents, who are struggling with water shortages at home and in mosques.
CM Gandapur lamented the federal government’s failure to fulfill its promises, despite the province’s significant recovery efforts. He urged the federal authorities to take the matter seriously, warning that the public’s reaction could spiral out of control if the situation does not improve.
As the load shedding crisis intensifies, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government remains committed to resolving the issue, but stresses that federal intervention is crucial. The Chief Minister’s stern warning underscores the urgent need for a collaborative approach to alleviate the province’s power woes and prevent further unrest.
