ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar announced on Thursday that as part of the current government’s reform agenda, the privatization process of distribution companies (DISCOs) has commenced following an amendment to the State-Owned Enterprises Act.
Addressing a press conference alongside Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Mustafa Kamal, the Information Minister highlighted the inefficiency and corruption within DISCOs that have persisted for decades.
He stated that the decision was made to bring in competent and professional individuals from the private sector to run the DISCOs free from political interference.
Tarar emphasized that the issues surrounding Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are not politically motivated and assured that ongoing discussions and reforms are addressing concerns over over-billing.
He noted that electricity consumers using 200 units have been given a subsidy of 50 billion rupees for three months, sourced from the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) budget, to provide relief during summer. Efforts to address over-billing and power theft in collaboration with provincial governments are also underway.
The Minister confirmed that MQM Pakistan representatives, including Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Mustafa Kamal, recently met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss IPP-related matters. He expressed gratitude to MQM for highlighting this critical issue and for their constructive approach and positive role in the government’s reform agenda, including ending 18-hour load shedding and installing cost-effective power plants.
Tarar reiterated that IPPs are not a political issue and that discussions are ongoing to make electricity more affordable. He stated that the economic reforms agenda aims to create fiscal space to reduce power tariffs and criticized those attempting to politicize the matter, emphasizing that all government allies share the common goal of making electricity more affordable.
Responding to media questions, Tarar mentioned actions taken against those involved in the wheat import issue. He highlighted the ongoing digitization process of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) with the cooperation of the Melinda Gates Foundation, noting that the government had not spent any funds on this initiative. Due to the government’s efforts, the number of tax filers has been increasing continuously.
Tarar also discussed the closure of the Pakistan Works Department (PWD), a move aimed at reducing government expenditures and saving hundreds of billions of rupees annually. He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for this bold step as part of the economic reform agenda.
The Minister mentioned the visit of an important Chinese delegation to Pakistan and emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing the reform agenda as quickly as possible.
Tarar contrasted the economic situation during the PML-N’s previous term with the current state, criticizing the PTI’s tenure for fostering hatred and violence. He claimed that if the country had defaulted, a civil war could have ensued. He credited the PML-N and its allies for saving the country from default after coming into power following a no-confidence motion.
He announced that the prices of petroleum products were reduced last night to provide relief to consumers, despite not implementing the Petroleum Development Levy. He also noted that the rupee’s stability and the decrease in the inflation rate were due to the current government’s prudent policies.
Tarar called on Jamaat-e-Islami to end its protests and engage in dialogue with the government. He dismissed the recent talks offer from a “spoilt child” inciting violence as a conspiracy, stating that the individual could not give up his subversive agenda.
