In response to mounting concerns over high electricity bills and ongoing public protests, Dr. Muhammad Amjad Khan, Chief Executive of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), has issued a directive to all company offices. The directive calls for the introduction of installment plans to assist customers facing difficulties in paying their electricity bills in full.
Under the new initiative, IESCO aims to provide relief to customers by offering flexible installment options. Additionally, the due dates for electricity bill payments are being extended to accommodate the convenience of customers struggling with financial constraints.
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Dr. Amjad Khan emphasized the importance of customer engagement, encouraging IESCO’s patrons to reach out to relevant Sub-Divisional Offices, Revenue Offices, or Customer Service Centers for inquiries or concerns related to their bills.
However, this announcement coincides with widespread protests across the country in response to inflated electricity bills. On Monday, hundreds of protestors gathered outside the IESCO office in Rawalpindi, expressing dissatisfaction with the high charges. Similar protests have unfolded in various parts of the country over the past four days.
In light of the growing unrest, IESCO officials have taken measures to enhance security, involving the police as a precautionary measure. Demonstrators have raised their voices against the electric utility company, demanding reduced charges or even vowing to withhold bill payments.
These protests are unfolding amid broader economic challenges, with citizens already grappling with significant inflation. The demonstrations encompass a wide array of cities, including Sargodha, Hafizabad, Vehari, Arifwala, Bahawalnagar, Hyderabad, Gujrat, Multan, Chichawatni, Mandi Bahauddin, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Pakpattan, Mansehra, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, Lodhran, and Sheikhupura.
Participants in the protests include members of civil society, both men and women, along with traders, farmers, and representatives from the legal and business sectors. These public demonstrations highlight the growing frustration among citizens grappling with economic challenges and rising costs, particularly in the face of soaring electricity prices and increased taxes.
