PM Kakar Denounces Inflated Bills as a Trivial Matter

In a fervent declaration, Prime Minister Kakar vehemently dismisses the issue of inflated bills as an inconsequential matter. With unwavering determination, he emphasizes that the concerns surrounding exaggerated invoices must take a backseat to more pressing national issues. The Prime Minister’s impassioned stance underscores his unwavering commitment to address the paramount challenges facing the country.

ISLAMABAD: A fervent nationwide protest, characterized by a resolute wheel-jam and a defiant shutter-down strike, is currently underway today (Saturday) in response to the egregious issue of exorbitant electricity bills. However, it is disheartening to witness the startling dismissal of this matter as a mere “non-issue” by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar. It is evident that certain political parties have unabashedly exploited this crucial concern as a manipulative tool to further their own self-serving electoral agendas.

“It’s absolutely outrageous! These cunning politicians shamelessly exploit any issue, no matter how trivial, just to further their own selfish agendas. Can you believe they’re using something as insignificant as this to manipulate public sentiment during the elections? It’s disgraceful!”

“I realise their position. If I were to contest the election, I would have followed the same as well,” he added.

The premier’s comments that consumers “have to pay the bills” have only added to the frustration of the people protesting on the streets. As a result, a successful strike is expected today.

The government contacted the military to address the issue of free electricity. The military stated that they do not use any free electricity and pay their bills from their allocated budget.

Expects SIFC to attract up to $70bn in five years

However, Mr Kakar said that Wapda employees were using free electricity units and their usage would be rationalised, especially of the higher-grade officers, some of whom were getting huge amount of free electricity.

Foreign investment

The government expects foreign investments of $60-$70 billion in the next 3-5 years through the Special Investment Facilitation Council. They have also received pledges for a similar amount of investment.

“Now, we have to design and submit our projects, as there is a huge appetite to invest in the country,” he claimed.

The SIFC was formed in June this year to frame economic policies to “ensure policy predictability, continuity and effective implementation to revive the economy”.

Pakistan has vast natural resources, like the $700bn worth of Reko Diq gold and copper reserves. These resources have the potential to bring positive changes to the people of Pakistan.

The SIFC is a comprehensive government project, with complete transparency and no hidden agendas. It is a bold intervention that has already been set in motion, possessing a staggering potential of $5 trillion to $6 trillion.

The prime minister highlighted that Pakistan had huge land that could be used for agriculture and could serve half of the Asia population’s food requirements. He also claimed that the country had enough water to irrigate the barren land across the country.

Likewise, he said IT, tourism and defence production also had enormous potential that would be tapped for the socio-economic development of the country.

Diplomats briefed

Later, diplomatic missions were given a detailed briefing on investment options so that they could “encourage their countries” to profit from Pakistan’s rich resources in a bid to attract foreign investment to the country.

According to the Foreign Office, the participating diplomatic missions were requested to brief and encourage their countries to profit from the promise of Pakistan being a resource-rich country.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Government Effectiveness Dr Jehanzeb Khan made a “detailed presentation informing the diplomatic corps on the establishment and various aspects of the council”.He particularly highlighted investment opportunities in Pakistan in four key areas: information technology, agriculture, energy and mining.

He said the SIFC had been recently constituted to “serve as a one-window platform to fast-track decision-making and promote as well as facilitate Foreign Direct Investment in the country”.

Plagued by economic challenges amid an “inordinate” delay in the revival of the IMF programme, civilian and military leaders devised an “economic revival plan” in June to capitalise on “untapped potential in key sectors” and attract FDI.