PML-N mulling use of pre-paid electricity metres

By
anjum
-
6
133

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) plans to introduce pre-paid electricity metres as a first measure to curb the ongoing load shedding crisis in the country.

According to details, the introduction of the new electricity metres, which would require pre-paid cards, is part of the PML-N’s first 100 days’ plan after the party assumes power on June 5.

The electricity provided through these pre-paid cards, already in vogue in the West, would be without any subsidy. This move is also expected to partly address the issue of power theft.

The other features of the PML-N’s 100-day plan, which prime minister-designate Nawaz Sharif, is likely to announce at his inaugural speech, also features ‘goodies for the youth’ by way of giving them easy loans.

Commenting on the PML-N’s “plan”, analysts say that the PML-N itself played a role in the high expectations people have from the party by making tall claims before and during election campaigning. Now the PML-N would have to show how it manages its government differently from the previous ones, they said.

Experts say that the PML-N government would have to spend over Rs 5 billion daily to ensure at least 12,000 MW electricity. For increasing this limit, the Finance Department will have to shell out even more in billions.

It looks to be a gigantic task to line resources to the tune of Rs 150 billion monthly to keep load shedding at a reasonable level.

Political circles allege that the recent phase of energy crisis is due to a “go-slow policy” of the Ministry of Finance allegedly on the instructions of Ishaq Dar, who is expected to be a leading figure in the new government and who has a lot of influence over the caretaker setup as well.

It is believed that the ministry saved over Rs 40 billion through this go-slow policy.

“This amount will be utilised to give a breather to masses during the initial phase of the PML-N government and showing the people what difference the government is capable of making so early in the day,” they claimed.

Again, it is believed that Sharifs have high expectations from the Saudi government in easing the energy crisis. Again, no matter how big the bailout package from Saudi Arabia is, it will solve the problem only on short-term basis.

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6 COMMENTS

  1. Prepaid meters for all,even the government and the businesses,thats a great idea,you pay,you have bati,you don't then you sit in the dark,I love it.Or better yet if this idea doesn't work,have them pay one month in advance using a security deposit,after that pay as you go each month,if you don't pay by a certain day beginning in the new month,your electricity would be shut down.

  2. This is the kind of progressive thinking Pakistan needs to resolve issues on the short and long term.I certainly don't have to get on the PML-N band wagon but we do need to show our support if you truly want things to get better.

  3. It would bode well for Nawaz Sharif to remember that the masses also have an agenda they want fulfilled by their elected leaders and they will not stand for more rhetoric and quick fixes. If there was one slogan the masses were paying close attention to it was that of each party’s policy on load shedding. Shahbaz Sharif was quite vocal during the PML-N’s campaign drive about how electricity matters would be resolved instantly or at the very least within months. Nawaz Sharif’s dose of the bitter truth is wise but it must lead to his party addressing the energy crisis on a war footing.

  4. The yellow cab scheme was a complete waste of money. Precious resources that could have been spent on education, health or clean water got wasted on buying patronage with these ridiculous vehicles.
    You claim that you will provide good education to the masses but in your 2 terms in power what did you achieve?
    Why do you deserve another go? What will you do differently this time if anything?
    You claim you will raise more taxes for spending on human development but in the past you have done the opposite.
    How about the campaign to get rid of foreign debt, can you give us an update.
    Also Musharraf built more motorways than you and Nawaz so I am not sure you have anything to boast about.As for claims about nuclear weapons they are as bogus as Bhutto’s missile technology and fiber optic communication s claim.

  5. @Sehrish
    It seems that you were not in Pakistan during PPP's rule to brace long hours loadsheddings in the Country. Stop being the loser and pin your hope for Roshan Pakistan.

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