Bilawal Bhutto fulfil another promise

Karachi: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has fulfilled yet another promise made under his election manifesto, the ‘Awami Muashi Muahida’ (People’s Economic Agreement). Today, he launched an ambitious project to distribute solar home systems to 1.6 million low-income households across Sindh in phases. This initiative is a key component of the 10-point ‘Awami Muashi Muahida’, which pledged to provide free solar electricity to underprivileged families.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP inaugurated the first phase of the solar energy project, which aims to provide relief to the people severely affected by expensive electricity and load shedding. The project, initiated by the Government of Sindh, will see 200,000 families, eligible under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), receive free solar home systems in two districts of the province. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Chief Minister House here, Chairman PPP emphasized his party’s commitment to sustainable solutions for public issues. He stated that this project aligns with the PPP’s manifesto vision, which, if given the federal mandate, would have been implemented nationwide to support the poor through solar energy. He furthered that PPP wants to ease the burden on the lower-income segments of society.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted that when he initially proposed the idea of providing solar energy to low-income families, it was met with criticism from various quarters, including the media and caretaker government. However, he noted with satisfaction that the entire nation has now recognized the need to facilitate the poor with affordable electricity. He further explained that BISP beneficiaries are the top priority for this initiative, which will eventually be expanded to all districts of Sindh.

Chairman PPP reaffirmed his party’s Sindh government’s commitment to delivering affordable electricity to the public, in line with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, through public-private partnerships such as the Thar Coal project. He pointed out that K-Electric is currently receiving the cheapest electricity from two Sindh government plants. Moreover, the Sindh government is making additional investments in wind power and encouraging the private sector to participate. He also disclosed that work is underway on three energy parks in Sindh under public-private partnerships.

“Our vision is for a bright Pakistan, and I have consistently spoken about this during our election campaign,” said Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He stressed that implementing the provision of free 300 units of electricity is feasible. “We can strategically support the lower-income groups. Currently, those consuming less than 200 units of electricity receive subsidies, paying only Rs. 14 per unit.”

PPP Chairman criticized the federal electricity system, stating that not only is it dysfunctional, but no federal department is operating effectively. He pointed out that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is unable to collect taxes, leading to the imposition of taxes through electricity bills, which shocks the public when they receive them. “We want to provide relief to the people through solar energy, and gradually, by utilizing the same subsidy, we aim to bring households onto solar power for up to 300 units at the government’s expense to fulfill our promise of 300 units of free electricity,” he explained.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated his desire for a sustainable solution to the electricity crisis and asserted that relief in electricity bills could be achieved through green energy. He highlighted the plight of the people of Larkana, who endure 18 hours of load shedding daily.

Commenting on the recent announcement by the Punjab government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), to reduce electricity costs for consumers to Rs. 14 per unit, the PPP Chairman expressed his cautious optimism. “We welcome the announcement to the extent that it aims to lower electricity costs, but the decision remains perplexing to me,” he said. He warned that if short-term relief leads to long-term suffering, such projects are not in the public interest. He recalled the public long march led by him against the previous puppet government, which resulted in a temporary reduction in petrol prices, but the public is still suffering from the subsequent increase in the prices of electricity, petrol, and other essentials. He questioned the rationale behind the PML-N government’s decision, given that no long march or no-confidence motion is currently in sight.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari directed the Chief Minister of Sindh to discuss the electricity relief matter with the Prime Minister. He added, “If the federal government can convince us of its cheaper electricity plan, we are ready to forego our solar home system project and follow theirs. But if they cannot, then they should support us.” He stressed that when making decisions affecting the fate of the people, the national interest should take precedence over political agendas.

The event was attended by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, former Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Provincial Minister for Energy Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, provincial ministers, members of the assembly, and party leaders.