MQM-P leader Dr. Farooq Sattar has announced that his party will urge Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to further reduce electricity prices. He stated that there is still room to lower power rates and ease the financial burden on citizens. The push comes after the PM’s recent announcement of a Rs7.41 per unit tariff reduction, part of a broader relief package.
MQM Aims for Additional Rs6 Per Unit Cut
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Dr. Sattar expressed confidence that MQM-P would succeed in convincing the government to reduce electricity prices by an additional Rs6 per unit. He emphasized that MQM-P played a key role in negotiating with independent power producers (IPPs) to help bring down power rates.
He also revealed that PM Shehbaz has agreed to visit Karachi after Eid and attend an MQM public gathering, where discussions on further reductions will continue. “The prime minister will address our public meeting, and we will strengthen our argument for additional tariff cuts,” he stated.
Electricity Rates and Economic Growth
Dr. Sattar stressed that high electricity prices act as indirect taxation, limiting economic growth. Instead of burdening citizens, he suggested increasing household incomes and implementing fair taxation policies to build a sustainable economy.
He criticized Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman for taking credit for the tariff reduction, calling it an attempt to claim ownership of an effort led by MQM-P.
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PM Shehbaz’s Battle with IMF Over Power Tariffs
During the announcement of the tariff cut, PM Shehbaz Sharif revealed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) initially resisted the move. The IMF had refused to allow Pakistan to pass on the benefits of lower international oil prices to electricity consumers. However, the prime minister personally intervened and convinced the IMF managing director to approve the reduction.
The Rs7.41 per unit cut includes:
Rs1.90 reduction due to lower quarterly tariff adjustments (QTA) for October-December FY25.
Rs1.71 reduction linked to the petroleum levy adjustments.
Rs1 reduction from the grid levy on industrial captive power plants.
Rs3 reduction from renegotiated IPP contracts and government power plants.
Business Community Welcomes Power Tariff Cut
Business leaders praised the government’s decision, calling it a step in the right direction despite strict IMF conditions and financial constraints.
M. Abdul Aleem, Secretary General of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), stated, “This move will ease financial pressure on consumers struggling with high electricity bills.”
JI Calls for Further Reductions
JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman acknowledged the relief but argued that electricity and fuel prices should be reduced even further. He pointed out that lower global petroleum prices have not yet translated into meaningful relief for local consumers.
He also criticized IPP owners, accusing them of tax evasion and receiving billions in exemptions. “They have made massive profits while avoiding taxes,” he claimed.
As political parties push for more reductions, the debate over electricity pricing and economic fairness continues, shaping Pakistan’s energy policies in the months ahead.
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