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Electricity crisis and the rising spectre of social unrest

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  • There has been an increase of 108% in gas bills.
  • Only 20% of total electricity bill pertains to actual consumption.
  • Circular debt within electricity sector surges to astonishing Rs2,400 billion.

Here’s a partial list of countries where electricity pricing and related issues have led to protests and demonstrations over the years: Venezuela, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Nigeria, Sudan, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ukraine, Russia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Haiti, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras and Paraguay.

In Pakistan, the heat of inflation has been progressively growing. Within the last year, the price of our essential commodity, wheat, has soared by a significant 130%. 

Simultaneously, there has been an increase of 108% in gas bills, and prices of tea, rice, and sugar have individually escalated by 90% and 80% respectively. Considering this backdrop, the electricity bill for July can be likened to the symbolic icing on the cake.

Your electricity bill isn’t truly an ‘electricity bill,’ given that only 20% of the total pertains to actual electricity consumption, while taxes make up 30%, and a substantial 50% is attributed to ‘government inefficiencies.’

Around the year 2008, the circular debt within the electricity sector stood at Rs100 billion. Now, looking ahead to 2023, this number has surged to an astonishing Rs2,400 billion. 

This steep escalation highlights the shared accountability of every political government that has been in control from 2008 to 2023 for the intricate crisis that engulfs us in the present moment.

The protests in countries like Venezuela, Chile, and Brazil highlight how even resource-rich nations can stumble when it comes to managing their energy sectors.

Mismanagement and corruption can lead to unreliable supply, exorbitant prices, and the subsequent outrage of citizens who find themselves grappling with blackouts and financial burdens. 

Similarly, in countries such as Sudan, Nigeria, and Egypt, electricity woes intersect with broader dissatisfaction about the quality of governance, sparking mass demonstrations fueled by a sense of economic injustice.

The case of Pakistan could mirror the global trend. The backdrop of escalating inflation paints a grim picture for the average Pakistani’s purchasing power.

The steep rise in the prices of essentials like petrol, diesel, wheat, gas, tea, rice, and sugar has severely strained household budgets, creating a palpable atmosphere of economic anxiety.

In such a milieu, the surge in the July electricity bill becomes a poignant symbol of the mounting financial pressures faced by an average Pakistani.

The global landscape of electricity-related protests underscores the potent mix of economic pressures and governance shortcomings. The case of Pakistan is a microcosm of these global dynamics, where rising inflation and soaring utility bills are testing the patience of the populace.

Beyond the numbers, the electricity bill symbolises the intersection of economic strains and citizen demands for fairness and accountability.

 Ultimately, addressing the electricity crisis and preventing social unrest requires holistic measures that span from energy sector reforms to broader governance improvements.

Only through such comprehensive efforts can Pakistan hope to keep the lights on both literally and metaphorically in the lives of her citizens. Can the electricity bill become the straw that breaks the camel’s back?

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Speech Made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister on the International Day Against Poverty

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In renewing our commitment to a world where no one is left behind and where possibilities for success are unrestricted by one’s origin or circumstances, Pakistan stands together with the global community on this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. In addition to being morally right, ending poverty is essential to attaining sustainable development and guaranteeing everyone’s peace and prosperity.

The people have always been the center of every policy made by our government. We have significantly reduced poverty and made sure that our most vulnerable residents are taken care of thanks to our social safety net programs. We think that providing long-term routes to economic empowerment is equally as important as providing instant relief when it comes to assisting people in escaping poverty. Our focused initiatives seek to equip communities—women and children in particular—with the means to create better futures for themselves.

The Pakistani government is steadfast in its commitment to improving the affordability of living for its citizens despite the obstacles we face on a global scale, such as inflation and economic instability. Our policies are designed to build long-term economic resilience, from meeting housing needs to guaranteeing food security. With the help of programs like the PM Youth Business, Agriculture Loans, Digi-Skills, which offers free IT training, and the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, millions of families are receiving financial support and technological help that is changing their lives.

Eradicating poverty is also a top priority for Pakistan, which is still fully committed to reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a focus on inclusive growth, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, we will keep working together with our international partners to achieve these goals. The advancements made in empowering women and guaranteeing that their contributions are essential to the country’s social and economic fabric are another reason for pride.

On this day, I would want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who is devotedly striving to end poverty, both in Pakistan and globally. We can create a future where everyone, regardless of circumstances, has the chance to flourish and succeed by uniting with a shared purpose and unwavering determination.

I speak on behalf of the Government of Pakistan to reiterate our steadfast commitment to this cause and to extend an invitation to all facets of society to work with us to create a world that is more wealthy, just, and inclusive.

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Entertainment

Karan Johar compliments Chahat Fateh Ali Khan’s ‘Tauba Tauba.’

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Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, a social media sensation known for his song ‘Bado Badi’, has garnered attention once more after posting his rendition of the classic track ‘Tauba Tauba’ on Instagram.

The song, initially included in the Vicky Kaushal film ‘Bad Newz’, achieved significant popularity due to its infectious rhythms and distinctive choreography.

Chahat’s rendition garnered heightened attention after Bollywood director Karan Johar reposted it on his Instagram, urging fans to ‘must see’ the song.

Karan Johar Chahat Fateh

Chahat’s performance garnered mixed to unfavorable responses from the audience. As the infectious melody rapidly gained popularity, the original artist, Karan Aujla, could not refrain from contributing a funny remark regarding the new rendition.

He humorously commented under Chahat’s post, “Please do not act like an uncle.” The reply provoked a barrage of caustic remarks from internet users, with one individual jesting, “Karan Aujla weeping in the corner.”

Others contributed their own comical interpretations, with comments such as “Karan himself advised uncle to cease” and “your song – toba toba,” thereby accentuating the playful repartee.

Karan Aujla’s original ‘Tauba Tauba’ achieved immediate success, showcasing Vicky Kaushal’s energetic dance performance in ‘Bad Newz,’ which also included Ammy Virk and Triptii Dimri.

The ongoing lighthearted rivalry is delighting fans who appreciate the fun interactions between these two skilled artists.

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It is essential to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism for regional peace. Jaishankar

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Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his remarks at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, underscored the necessity of peace, stability, and regional collaboration to foster economic development and prosperity.

He emphasized that cross-border infiltration undermines trade and hinders diplomatic relations between nations, underscoring the necessity of mutual respect and sovereign equality among SCO members.

Jaishankar emphasized the capacity of industrial collaboration, especially among small and medium companies (SMEs), to enhance employment, competition, and market expansion. The Indian foreign minister noted, “Collective initiatives can enhance resources and stimulate investment flows, benefiting business communities through expanded networks.”

Emphasizing environmental sustainability, Jaishankar endorsed collaborative efforts in environmental protection, highlighting that the International Solar Alliance can advance renewable energy, while the Alliance for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure equips member nations to confront climate-related challenges.

He also discussed global health concerns, claiming that affordable and accessible medications will facilitate the treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Jaishankar advocated for extensive reforms in international organizations, highlighting the necessity to modernize entities such as the United Nations Security Council. He stated, “Global trade and rebalancing are undeniable realities,” encouraging SCO states to capitalize on rising opportunities in trade, investment, and energy collaboration.

Jaishankar emphasized that the area can only derive advantages from these potential if collaboration is founded on authentic partnerships rather than unilateral objectives. He advocated for a candid dialogue among SCO members to tackle trust problems and foster regional development. He stated that mutual trust and cooperation are essential for attaining regional progress.

Furthermore, Jaishankar emphasized the catastrophic effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on developing countries and expressed apprehensions regarding escalating debt and the worldwide delay in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He recognized the potential afforded by technology, yet emphasized that it also presents new issues requiring community resolution.

Jaishankar reiterated India’s endorsement of Pakistan’s effective leadership of the SCO this year and commended the host nation for leading the summit. He finished by urging SCO member nations to adhere to the organization’s aims, especially the enhancement of mutual trust, camaraderie, and amicable relations.

Jaishankar emphasized the necessity for the SCO to assume a pivotal role in tackling regional and global challenges, especially in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which he deemed essential for maintaining peace and stability.

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