The All Pakistan Traders Association has declared plans for a countrywide protest scheduled to commence on July 1, in response to the surge in electricity bills. Ajmal Baloch, President of the Association, along with other traders, conveyed this decision during a joint press conference held in Islamabad. Baloch emphasized the perceived unjust treatment by the government regarding electricity bills and called for a nationwide protest in opposition to the increase.

During the announcement, Baloch raised concerns about the varying billing structures and highlighted disparities in the payments made to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) who are reportedly being compensated in foreign currency. He stressed the discrepancy between the actual power requirement and the excess payments being made to IPPs, urging traders and the public to participate in the scheduled protests on July 1.

In addition to demanding the elimination of taxes and fixed charges in electricity bills, Baloch drew attention to the significant financial burden imposed by the contracts with IPPs, asserting the need for a thorough review of these agreements. Furthermore, he criticized the allocation of free electricity to WAPDA employees at the expense of the general public.

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Vice President of the Central Traders Association Rawalpindi, Tariq Jadoon, and President Rawalpindi Cantonment, Sheikh Hafeez, voiced concerns about the installation of allegedly faster meters by WAPDA, which they claim have been reported to be overcharging consumers by as much as 30% according to NEPRA’s findings. Khalid Chaudhry, Secretary of the Traders Action Committee Islamabad and Advisor to the President ICCI, urged the government to address these discrepancies, citing NEPRA’s documentation that suggests exploitation of the public through the installation of these meters by distribution companies.