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- Final approval to collect bills in installments to be taken from cabinet.
- 32 million consumers could have benefited if relief was granted up to 400 units.
- Fund demands increase of 45 to 50% in gas tariff from July 1: sources.
"The last endorsement to gather bills in portions will be taken from the government bureau," the sources said, adding that around 4 million power buyers are probably going to get transitory alleviation from this drive.
In any case, the break government's arrangement to give alleviation to those consuming up to 400 units of power each month was dismissed by the Asset, the sources said, adding 32 million shoppers might have benefited had this proposition been endorsed.
They went on to say that the lender with its headquarters in Washington had emphasized the need to combat gas and electricity theft and boost recovery.
In addition, sources claimed that the Fund had also requested a 45- to 50-percent increase in the gas tariff effective July 1. The federal cabinet must, however, approve the gas price increase.
The setup led by interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in Islamabad has been attempting to persuade the global lender to agree to provide immediate relief for electricity consumers in the cash-strapped nation, where people are already battered by skyrocketing inflation, following continuous protests by citizens and traders against the exorbitant hikes in power bills and the addition of taxes.
It is essential to keep in mind that the nation in South Asia is enrolled in an IMF program, and any aid or assistance is contingent on receiving its approval.
While protesters took to the streets to voice their displeasure with the exorbitant power bills, both sides have been engaged in intense negotiations.
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