Fear of public backlash paralyses meter reading

ISLAMABAD: Following intense public protests against high electricity bills across the country, power supply agencies sought police protection as the meter readers are refusing to go for taking readings.

According to a news reports, protestors have set the electricity bills on fire, from Karachi to Khyber. Unfortunately, in certain areas, these protests have escalated into violence, with electricity supply company officials becoming targets of public frustration.

Amidst this tense atmosphere, meter readers, who are responsible for collecting readings from households and businesses, have refused to perform these services due to concerns about personal safety. This has prompted power supply agencies to seek police intervention to ensure the safety of their employees while performing their duties.

Nationwide protests continue against inflated power bills

As the Pakistani rupee falls adding to the inflationary pressures, electricity bills are expected to increase further.

It should be noted that in view of nationwide public protests against electricity bills, Multan Electric Supply Company and Peshawar Electric Supply Company have instructed their officers to reduce movement and remove government number plates from vehicles.