PNP files writ petition in IHC against hike in electricity tariff

Islamabad, Aug 30 (Online): Pakistan Nazriati Party (PNP) has filed a writ petition in Islamabad High Court (IHC), against hike in electricity tariffs.

Chairman Pakistan Nazriati Party (PNP), Shaheer Haider Malik filed this petition through his lawyer Qazi Khalil ur Rehman Adv High Court in IHC, against Federation Of Pakistan, Chairman BOD-IESCO, Chairman NEPRA, Chairman WAPDA, Minister of Energy (Power Division).

On this occasion, Syed Haider Shah, Chief Coordinator PNP, President Law Wing, Muhammad Tanveer Younis Mughal, Faizan Aslam General Secretary, and other lawyers were accompanied him.

Petitioner urged the court for intervention to address the alarming and unjustified price hike in electricity tariffs imposed on citizens.
The arbitrary increase in electricity prices has inflicted a severe financial burden upon the citizens of Pakistan, gravely undermining their constitutional right to a dignified life.

The petitioner contended that the recent and successive increases in electricity prices have resulted in an undue escalation in the cost of living for the general public.
This has had a particularly detrimental impact on vulnerable segments of society, including low-income families, senior citizens, and those already struggling to make ends meet.

The petitioner further submitted that the lack of transparency and accountability in determining the basis for these price hikes raises serious concerns about the procedural fairness of these decisions. The citizens have been left in the dark about the rationale and factors considered while determining the new tariffs.

Petitioner urged for establishing mechanisms to protect whistleblowers who expose cases of corruption, extravagance, or misuse of public funds.
It is also asserted that the increase in electricity prices lacks proportionality and reasonableness, as it far exceeds the rate of inflation and fails to reflect the actual cost of production and distribution of electricity.

The petitioner contended that the arbitrary nature of the price hikes violates the citizens’ fundamental rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property, as enshrined in Articles 9, 14, and 24 of the Constitution.

And urged IHC to issue a writ of certiorari to quash the recent notifications/orders related to the increase in electricity tariffs due to the lack of transparency, proportionality, and reasonableness in the determination of such tariffs.
Direct the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent review of the factors leading to the price hike, ensuring public participation and accountability in the decision-making process.

Direct the concerned authorities to provide an itemized breakdown of the costs justifying the increase in electricity tariffs, in order to assess the veracity of the claimed expenses.
Enforce austerity measures within the government, including reductions in unnecessary perks, privileges, and extravagant spending on official trips, vehicles, and residences.

Limit the use of government funds for personal expenses, and encourage politicians and officials to lead by example by adopting frugal lifestyles.
Invest in energy efficiency initiatives to reduce overall electricity consumption, which would lead to lower bills for consumers.
Promote and incentivize the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, which could potentially lead to reduced dependence on the national grid and lower bills.

Raise public awareness about responsible energy consumption and its impact on reducing overall electricity bills.
Educate the public about their rights and options for addressing unfair electricity bills, empowering them to take action against any discrepancies.

Ensure that electricity tariffs are fair and based on accurate calculations of production, distribution, and operational costs.
Implement a tiered pricing system where those with lower energy consumption pay lower rates, providing relief to low-income households.

Implement smart metering systems that accurately measure electricity usage, reducing the potential for human error or manipulation.
Provide online platforms for consumers to monitor their electricity usage in real-time and manage their consumption more effectively.

Encourage individuals with information about politicians or officials engaging in prodigality to come forward without fear of reprisal.
Introduce stricter penalties for corruption, misuse of funds, and extravagant spending by politicians and government officials.

Establish an independent oversight body to monitor the financial activities of politicians and government officials, ensuring transparency and accountability in their spending habits.
Implement strict financial disclosure requirements for politicians and officials, mandating them to declare their assets, expenditures, and sources of income.

Encourage civil society organizations, media, and citizens to play an active role in monitoring government spending and advocating for responsible fiscal behavior.
Organize campaigns and public forums to mobilize public support for curbing prodigality and ensuring relief for electricity bills.

These solutions, if implemented effectively, could help address the issue of prodigality among politicians and government officials in Pakistan, leading to greater relief for the public in terms of electricity bills.