ANP President Amil Wali Khan Criticizes Electricity Relief Disparity, Threatens Protest
Awami National Party (ANP) President Amil Wali Khan has raised concerns over the disparity in electricity relief between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab, warning of a potential protest in Islamabad if the issue is not addressed.
Key Points from Amil Wali Khan’s Statement:
- Disparity in Electricity Relief: Amil Wali Khan criticized the federal government for providing a PKR 14 per unit relief on electricity bills in Punjab, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that generates cheap electricity, is not receiving similar benefits. He questioned the fairness of this decision, especially when KP houses multiple Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
- Potential Protest: He warned that if the electricity rates are not reduced in KP within a month, the ANP will organize a sit-in protest in Islamabad. The party demands that the electricity rates in KP should be determined based on the cost of production in the province, reflecting its rights.
- Demand for Arrears Payment: Amil Wali Khan also urged the federal government to take immediate steps to pay the arrears owed to KP in terms of electricity and gas, emphasizing that the province should not bear the burden of electricity costs from IPPs, especially when no electricity is being generated from them within KP.
Background:
- Punjab’s Electricity Relief: Recently, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, announced a relief of up to PKR 14 per unit for electricity consumers using up to 500 units per month in Punjab for two months. This decision was praised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, who highlighted Nawaz Sharif’s commitment to the welfare of the people.
Amil Wali Khan’s statements reflect growing dissatisfaction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the perceived inequities in electricity relief between provinces. His warning of a protest in Islamabad underscores the seriousness of the issue and the potential for increased political tension if the demands are not met.