Subsidy on Electricity Bills: The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, said in a statement shared on Thursday night that the government is not backing off and is determined to lessen the people’s financial woes by gradually bringing down electricity tariffs. This pledge comes after a positive last round of negotiations with the Jamat-e-Islami (JI) that resulted in the agreement that is supposed to grant relief to the public.
Prime Minister’s Directives to Fulfill the Needs of JI
He pointed out that the minister had insisted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had instructed the governmental negotiation committee to meet some of the pressures from JI. These demands centered on questions that called for practical help for the people, and their acceptance resulted in the end of the talks. The memorandum was approved by the government side and the leadership of JI. Therefore, it can be stated that some of the points raised by the population in connection with this issue received an adequate response.
Relief Measures: Electricity Subsidies and Consumer Benefits
The main output of the negotiations is the requirement for the government to offer a subsidy on electricity prices amounting to Rs 50 billion. Also, new measures include a three-month relief package for consumers who use up to 200 units of electricity. The implication of this measure is that it should reduce the household’s burden of costs, as experienced in the past. Tarar ensured that the government side was going to implement the agreement completely, and there are specific committees designated for the supervision of the agreement as well as its proper implementation.
Government Deplores Israeli Incursion in Gaza
Further in the context, Minister Tarar also spoke on the international level, denouncing the atrocities of Israeli forces in Gaza. He urged the United Nations to put pressure on Israel for what he labels as war crimes, regarding the government’s position on international justice and human rights.
The Interior Minister Assures Fulfillment of JI’s Demands
Other officials from the government came in support of Tarar. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed that all the JI’s demands would be implemented, and Tarar said that there was no doubt that Prime Minister Sharif endorsed the demands of the JI. Naqvi complimented the JI’s members for not causing much inconvenience to normal citizens during the protest since they were well-disciplined.
Concluding Sit-In and Successful Negotiations
Earlier, JI leader Liaqat Baloch accepted the positive result of the negotiations, saying that he is thankful to the government for bearing with the controversial issue and for its patience and tolerance. He said that the agreement was reached in favor of both parties. Subsequent to this, JI Chief Hafiz Naeem announced that this sit-in would be the final one, and indeed, a very large chapter of the interaction of the government with JI has been closed.
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FAQs
Q1. What measures are being taken to reduce electricity tariffs?
A1. The government of Pakistan is giving a Rs 50 billion subsidy and has announced a three-month relief package for consumers for the usage of up to 200 units.
Q2. What did the Jamat-e-Islami want?
A1. Which called for relief to the public, which includes the reduction in the price of electricity the government complied with.
Q3. What was the government’s response to these demands?
A3. The government agreed to this and formed committees of implementation as demanded by JI.
Q4. What is the position of President Bush on Gaza?
A4. Israeli actions in Gaza were criticized by the government, which demanded that the UN punish Israel.
