A heated debate took place during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Saifullah Abro, where rising electricity costs and load shedding became the main topic of discussion. During the session, Kamil Ali Agha strongly criticized the Power Division over what he described as unfair billing practices and heavy taxes on electricity consumers.
Senator Kamil Ali Agha shared his personal experience, stating that he received an electricity bill of Rs. 11,800 for just 102 units at the Parliament Lodges. He pointed out that the actual cost of electricity usage was only around Rs. 3,300, while nearly Rs. 8,500 were added as taxes and additional charges. This large difference raised serious concerns about how electricity bills are calculated and how much burden is placed on ordinary citizens.
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In a sarcastic and emotional remark, he told officials from the Power Division that they should stop calling people “consumers” and instead call them “goats,” suggesting that citizens are being unfairly treated and overcharged. His statement reflected growing frustration among the public over rising electricity prices and increasing financial pressure.
Responding to the criticism, an Additional Secretary of the Power Division admitted that the current system has challenges. He mentioned that changes in electricity usage patterns, especially due to the rise of solar energy, have affected tariff structures. According to him, the traditional slabs for electricity consumption have shifted, which has also influenced billing.
This discussion highlights a major issue in Pakistan’s energy sector, where high taxes and fluctuating tariffs continue to impact households. The debate has once again raised questions about transparency, fairness, and the urgent need for reforms in electricity pricing to provide relief to consumers.
