PTI blames rulers for power sector crisis

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has lashed out at the government for its ‘short-sighted, flawed and misguided policies’ that have severely damaged multiple sectors, especially the power sector.

PTI leaders, during a news conference on Saturday, claimed that the government’s short-sighted policies resulted in electricity becoming both inaccessible and unaffordable for the people of Pakistan.

Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, flanked by Opposition Leader in Senate Syed Shibli Faraz, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram and PTI senior leader Taimur Jhagra, highlighted the ‘glaring flaws’ in the budget.

Omar criticised the current regime’s handling of the power sector and broader fiscal policies and said the PTI government had laid the foundation for a strong and competitive power sector. Unfortunately, all those projects have been scrapped by this government. “During our tenure, electricity was available at much lower prices, but today, the prices have skyrocketed beyond the reach of the common man,” he said.

He highlighted the deteriorating electricity infrastructure, saying: “Even Islamabad, served by the Iesco, faces frequent power cuts. The power lines and feeders across the country are outdated and insufficient to meet the rising demand.” He pointed out that while the electricity demand grew, the number of feeders in many areas remained alarmingly low. On the regional situation, he noted: “Iran continues to be a major oil hub, exporting oil to Japan, Europe and other countries. However, the ongoing war in the region threatens to push oil prices even higher, which will exacerbate our economic challenges.” He rejected the budget and charged that the government was unable to digest affordable electricity usage and insisted that the common man should not pay for the expensive electricity. He claimed that the power projects started in 2018 initially valued at Rs450 billion have now ballooned to over Rs2,000 billion due to poor governance and flawed policies. He criticized the frequent adjustments to the Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA) in electricity bills, saying: “Every three months, the government changes FPA rates, and it is the common people who bear the brunt of these decisions.”

Shibli said the ongoing regional war would inevitably drive petrol prices even higher, worsening the economic strain on ordinary Pakistanis. Waqas said PTI experts have transparently presented the budget to the public, highlighting the glaring gap between electricity demand and supply. The current state of electricity in Pakistan, especially in rural areas, is deeply unsatisfactory, as regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are enduring 12 to 18 hours of loadshedding daily, with Sindh facing a similar crisis. Even Punjab is not spared. He said that while privatizing entities like Fesco might be considered, it was equally crucial for other organizations such as Iesco and Lesco to actively contribute to improving the power sector.

“Beyond the power crisis, serious human rights concerns are unfolding. Prisoners in the Kot Lakhpat military trial are facing the worst kind of political retribution, as they are deprived of basic rights, especially under the harsh heat, and are being denied the right to appeal,” he lamented. He charged that the PTI leadership was facing obstructions for meeting the party founder Imran Khan. “We urge all stakeholders to come together and discuss the budget constructively. Let us not widen divisions to the point where bridging them becomes impossible. Pakistan’s future depends on unity and accountability,” he added.

Taimur Jhagra said the government’s plan to privatize only Lesco, Fesco and Iesco won’t benefit the entire country. “Millions in ex-Fata have been completely denied electricity. Who will be held accountable in this regard?” he asked and said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget was now presented, and the common man would witness the difference. Electricity costs have soared since the previous government, with Punjab facing over 12 hours of loadshedding. At 46 °C in KP, people suffer prolonged outages while the basic rights are denied and agriculture and industry are suffering. Bangladesh has now outpaced Pakistan in the power sector.