Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced a substantial reduction in electricity bills for Punjab residents on August 16, 2024. During a press conference in Lahore, Sharif revealed that consumers using up to 500 units of electricity will benefit from a Rs14 per unit reduction for August and September.
Accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sharif expressed concern about the economic hardships faced by the public due to inflation and high electricity costs. He contrasted the current economic struggles with the relative stability during his tenure, noting that the value of the US dollar was stable and essential commodities were affordable when he was in office.
Sharif criticized the previous government, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership, for the current economic difficulties, stating that those responsible for the crisis should be held accountable. He highlighted his administration’s achievements, including the elimination of load-shedding and the completion of power plants without raising electricity prices.
Additionally, Sharif praised Maryam Nawaz for her efforts to reduce the cost of essential commodities and improve public services in Punjab. He also mentioned Pakistan’s strategic achievements during his tenure, such as becoming a nuclear power and reducing reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Sharif announced an Rs700 billion investment in a solar panel scheme for Punjab and urged the current government to continue addressing the financial burdens on the public. This move is part of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party’s strategy to regain public support ahead of upcoming elections, emphasizing their focus on economic relief and stability.
