THE issue of exorbitant electricity bills has reached a point of no return. It is no longer merely a financial burden; it is a harrowing ordeal that is pushing countless families to the brink of despair. Unfortu- nately, the frequent reports of suicides due to the issue, as highlighted on social media and in newspapers, are a stark reminder of the human cost of this negligence.

Already buried under the rubble of hyperinflation and lack of wherewithal to sustian daily needs, the middle class, the backbone of society, is actually bearing the brunt of these inflated bills. Their hard-earned income is being devoured by exorbitant charges, leaving little for essentials, like food, education as well as healthcare. This is not merely a financial crisis, but a humanitarian one.

Moreover, it has become clearly evident that the government’s agreements with independent power producers (IPPs) have contributed significantly to this crisis.

As such, the masses stand at a critical juncture currently, facing rather harsh economic conditions. It is high time for the government to take immediate action to renegotiate these contracts with the IPPs to secure more favourable terms for the people.

For achieving this, the capacity building clause, a clear impediment to affordable electricity, must be expunged without delay. The government cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of its citizens. It is time for decisive action to address this pressing issue. Lives and livelihoods of millions depend on this single decision.

M. Abid Hafeez
Lahore

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2024