PHC issues notices over electricity rate hikes

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday issued notices to the authorities concerned in petitions challenging the recent increases in electricity rates

and the inclusion of taxes in bills.

The bench, comprising Justice SM Atiq Shah and Justice Shakil Ahmed, sought reply from relevant authorities in the petition.

Advocate Aminur Rahman Yusufzai and Advocate General Shah Faisal Etimankhel represented the petitioners and the provincial government, respectively, during the court proceedings.

Advocate Aminur Rahman informed the court about the public’s grievances regarding excessive taxation on electricity bills, which surpasses the actual electricity costs. He elucidated that the application of various tax slabs in bills has led to an unjust burden on the public.

The advocate general of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa informed the court about the province’s significant electricity production and requested additional time to compile a comprehensive response. Seeking an extension to submit a detailed reply, he stressed the need for thorough deliberation on the matter.

In response, the court issued notices to the relevant parties, urging them to submit a reply for the upcoming hearing.