“Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (Quran: 13:11)
Introduction
Even after 75 years of independence, the objectives of hard-earned freedom through great sacrifices and enormous loss of human lives and material through democratic political struggle remains a far-fetched dream. There are many reasons but the top three are, firstly the Political instability, secondly, Corruption and third, the ‘Economic’ challenges, all three are interrelated. An effort has been made to look into these problematic areas to indicate possible solutions. Apparently, the energy and electric power sector is considered as a corrupt sector, but does not seem to be connected with political instability, whereas the opposite is true. A state that prioritises national security and defence above other objectives is the Security State. While the Welfare State aims to provide a high level of social welfare and support for its citizens, including access to healthcare, education, housing, and other basic needs. Pakistan has a peculiar geostrategic position, till the Kashmir issue with India is settled it cannot compromise on security. On the other hand, people’s welfare cannot be ignored either. Hence a critical balance has to be maintained between Security and Welfare. The projected incidents of poverty for Pakistan is 42.5%, which should be top priority to reduce. If poverty is the first basic issue to be resolved, then we have to start from the root cause. The root cause of all problems, poverty, bad economy, political instability and security get linked with energy, the mother of all problems. We will look into it and find solutions as many different lobbies and mafias are working.
Energy, Electric Power
Electric power is a crucial component of economic and social development in any country and Pakistan is no exception. Without sufficient and reliable electricity, it is not possible to achieve progress and growth in sectors such as industry, agriculture, and education. The ever-increasing oil prices and inflation has forced the world to shift to renewable clean energy sources. The consumers are encouraged and are given incentives to shift to clean Solar Net metering electricity. It not only saves foreign exchange but also saves fuel expenses/import cost, provides cheap electricity, relief to the public from inflation, price hikes, and also creates more jobs.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)[1] claims to support the State’s policy to increase dependence on renewable energy resources like clean Solar energy. The government has set a target of achieving 30% of the country’s total electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, with solar power expected to play a significant role in achieving this target. However their actions on ground reflect differently and in fact appear to favour the oil lobby and IPPs.
Indicators
The President talked about the ‘oil lobby’ hampering the development of alternate energy resources and said that he “personally knows” that the use of solar panels and coal was discouraged by this lobby. He said if coal had been used as a primary fuel in power generation, Pakistan would not have been facing the trouble that it currently is in. [Dawn][2]
In the ECC (Economic Coordination Committee) meeting held on 5 March 2023, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar deferred the summary submitted by the Ministry of Industries and Production on Solar Panel & Allied Equipment Manufacturing Policy 2023. Although denied officially, the February 2023 electricity bills indicate that NEPRA has thrust 200% extra burden on Solar Net Metering, making the cost of 3 Solar Units equal to 1 unit being sold to the public, procured at much higher rate from IPPs, hence making Solar lose its edge of price advantage, making it an unattractive option for the public. Hence Pakistan and its people continue to remain under the yoke of circular debt and keep on feeding IPPs forever. One has to wait for an official response which is not forthcoming. The new (unannounced, rather denied) Solar Net Metering policy being executed by NEPRA is unique in its character in the world. The previous policy was fair[3] but this one is designed to discourage the use of Solar energy by placing a 200% tariff/tax/levy or whatever name be given. This is outright plundering the citizens. The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is all set to hold a meeting with Chief Ministers to convince them of provincialisation of at least one power Distribution Company (Disco) before placing this proposal before the Council of Common Interests (CCI)[4]
Also Read: Rise and fall of Nations – Law of Quran: https://salaamone.com/quran-nations
Solar and Wind Roadmap for Pakistan
Due to the developments in the global energy market, a completely new situation has evolved for countries dependent on imported energy like Pakistan: imported coal and gas prices have almost doubled (keep increasing), increasing Pakistan’s electricity generation costs and consumer prices and often leading to planned load shedding to save money on energy imports that have caused the current account imbalance to worsen. Solar energy, especially Solar Net Metering provides immediate, cost effective solutions with zero government investment. Just by providing an attractive policy to domestic users, people will make investment thus decreasing overall load, which will positively affect even those who don’t own solar systems.
Capacity of Dams
A look at the main dams (existing and proposed) gives a good input for planning alternate sources:
1. Tarbela 4888 MW (Mega Watts)
2. Mangla 1310 MW
3. Bhasha (under construction) 4500 MW
4. Kalabagh (proposed) 3600 MW
Total 14298 MW
1. Total Current Installed Capacity 41,239 MW (Hydel, IPPs & all)
2. Solar Capacity 33000 MW (230% more than above dams 80% of installed capacity, as per German Study).
3. Pakistan’s Solar Capacity/potential of 33000 KWs, equals to almost 7 x Tarbela Dams output, or 25 x Mangla Dams, or 7 x Bhasha Dams, or 9 x Kalabagh Dams
The current installed generation capacity in the country is 41,239MW megawatts. Solar can provide 33000 KW which is 80% of the present installed capacity.[5] The requirements of Dams remain for power generation, water storage, control and agriculture. In Pakistan, the powerful oil lobby is interlinked with IPPs, political elite, business houses, bureaucracy and other important players. They work against Solar energy. A few years ago the discovery of Shale in the USA and other places for extraction of oil was in the news, no more.
Proposed Policy to Discourage Solar Energy
NEPRA, despite denials remains in process of revising power tariff against electricity produced from solar net metering reported in the media.[6] The proposal, if implemented, will discourage use of solar power as consumers will have to bear excessive electricity bills. Pakistan Solar Association has rejected the proposal of the power regulator, saying such a regressive step would discourage use of solar power. In a single buyer energy market of Pakistan, domestic consumers find solar net metering an attractive option not only for having relatively cheap power, but also getting rid of the nuisance of wrong billing.[7]
Govt Department Owe Rs. 1.6 TRN
The 10 Discos, defaulters, including govt departments, owe Rs1.6trn countrywide due to weak recovery efforts by their management. The colossal amount if added to the current circular debt of Rs. 2.6 trillion makes up a hefty percentage of the national GDP. It is worth noting that the federal government departments owed Rs. 17 billion to Discos, followed by Rs. 89 billion by the Azad Jammu & Kashmir government, Rs. 188 billion by provincial government departments and agencies, Rs. 39 billion by domestic consumers in federally administered tribal areas, Rs. 354 billion by agricultural tube wells in Balochistan, Rs. 1.07 trillion by private entities in the country, Rs. 4 billion by Independent Power Producers, and Rs. 224 billion by K-Electric. A serious and concerted effort on the part of Discos may recover Rs. 500 billion within no time to reduce cost per unit by Rs. 2.5 for consumers. Meanwhile, independent circles have proposed outsourcing recovery of receivables to financial houses for a change in the situation on ground.
Free Electricity for Wapd & Discos a Burden
WAPDA employees enjoy annually free electricity worth billions.[8] Free electricity is provided to retired and serving employees of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and electricity distribution companies.[9] There is a departmental tradition in Wapda that the units consumed by the employees is never recorded, and this basically means that electricity consumption has no limits for Wapda employees[10]. Hence the free number of units is just an eye wash, electricity is totally free with no limits.
These laid down limits are just to keep public mouths shut: 1,300 units are provided to BS-21 and BS22, 1,110 units to BS 20, 880 units are provided to serving employees of BS-19, 600 units are provided to BS-18, 450 units to BS-17, 300 units are given to serving employees of BS-16, 200 units from BS-11 to BS15, while retired employees within the same grades get 100 units, 150 units From BS-5 to BS-10, while retired employees get 75 units, 100 units have been allocated for serving employees while 50 units have been allocated for retired employees from BS-1 to BS-4. The retired employees are allocated half of what serving employees are getting. For propaganda purposes they keep announcing occasionally that the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) will withdraw the free electricity facility to the employees of WAPDA and the DISCOs and replace it with a monetization policy to narrow Rs. 800 billion’s gap between billing and recovery on electricity.[11]
Wapda employees, however, are not the only ones using free electricity. Their counterparts in other departments, as well as industrial undertakings, also adopt illegal methods that enable them to use the facility for free or for charges that are a minor fraction of what they should actually be paying. Owners of factories, foundries, cold storages, etc. enjoy ‘cooperation’ offered by Wapda officials. Also, most police stations and the living quarters around them pay no electricity bill. Some high government officials/politicians are given free electricity as service perks, according to an insider.[12]
Discrimination, Inequality Violation of Fundamental Rights
If the government of Pakistan [NEPRA/DISCOS] purchases (as suspected) Solar units through Net Metering from the citizens at the Rate of Rs.10/unit[13], while simultaneously selling it to them at the rate of Rs.30/unit, this is 200% Profit/tax/ Extortion (figure rounded off). Over Rs.40/unit is paid to the IPPs and Solar IPPs are paid Rs.28-30/unit.
This discrimination and inequality will be a brazen violation of Fundamental rights of citizens granted by the Constitution (Chapter 1: Fundamental Rights).[14] However NEPRA (Govt) is happy to pay Rs.29.8/unit on account of “fuel variation cost” to IPPs[15]. Cholistan Solar Power Plant charged Tariff @ Rs.17.6 in 2016, 2021, which is then revised for Jan-Mar 2023 @ Rs.28.05/kwh[16]. If policy with difference in purchase and selling rates of the same commodity (electric units) at same time is implemented, despite being unfair it will put end to net metering solar option.
“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]”. (Quran 2:188)
Advantages of Solar Net Metering
The energy sector is one of the major causes of debt accumulation and inflation resulting in ever rising prices and foreign exchange spending on import of oil. High rates of electricity contribute to theft and high line losses. The additional IPPs to cater for increasing demand require new or upgradation of infrastructure, transmission lines and grids, and more resources. Solar net metering provides many glaring advantages that only a fool can ignore.
Infrastructure: Solar net metering typically uses existing infrastructure such as the electrical grid and metering equipment, to allow homeowners and businesses with solar panels to receive credit for excess energy they generate and send back to the grid. Reduced Line Loses & Theft: Solar net metering can potentially help reduce electricity theft, line losses, and other forms of energy loss in a few ways:
Encouraging distributed generation: Solar net metering programs encourage the installation of distributed generation, such as rooftop solar panels, which can reduce the demand for electricity from the grid. This can help reduce the need for new transmission and distribution infrastructure, which can be vulnerable to theft and other forms of energy loss.
Promoting energy efficiency: Net metering programs can also incentivize energy efficiency measures, such as the installation of energy-efficient appliances or the use of LED lighting. This can reduce overall energy demand and help prevent losses that occur during the transmission and distribution of electricity. Any national energy policy like mentioned earlier is to discourage citizens from installing Solar Net Metering, which has obvious common advantages summarised:
1. Help to reduce electricity shortage in the country.
2. Save /reduce hefty oil import bill for oil based IPPs
3. Save foreign exchange $.
4. Provide clean energy, zero pollution, no CO2 emissions.
5. Reduce load shedding
6. Use existing infrastructure, thus reducing cost and time.
7. No theft or line losses.
8. Provide some relief to citizens crushed under 40% inflation, which is ever rising.
The present capacity viz Solar needs no further argument, as already explained above.
What are IPPs,Who Contracted them?
The term IPP refers to Independent Power Producers which are private entities that generate electricity and sell it to the national grid. During the 1990s both Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif governments in Pakistan contracted a large number of IPPs to address the country’s energy crisis. According to various sources, around 34 IPPs were contracted during Benazir Bhutto’s two tenures as Prime Minister (1988-1990, 1993-1996) and around 19 IPPs were contracted during Nawaz Sharif’s two tenures as Prime Minister (1990-1993, 1997-1999). During Pervez Musharraf’s regime (1999-2008), the government continued to contract IPPs as part of its strategy to address the country’s energy needs.[17]
In 2002, the new government adopted a new policy under which another 12 IPPs began operations. For the development of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Private Power and Infrastructure Board operates as one window facilitator on behalf of all the departments and Ministries of the Government of Pakistan to process power projects in IPP mode, monitor their development, and facilitate them in providing all support on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. In 2015, Pakistan adopted a new power policy by which another 13 IPPs were established, mostly by Chinese companies. A transmission policy for development of transmission lines in the private sector was also announced.
Corruption in IPPS
It is a well-known fact that the energy sector in Pakistan has been widely subject to allegations of corruption and nepotism. Some politicians have been accused of having links to or being involved in irregularities related to the IPPs. Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has informed the then prime minister that electricity bills can be reduced by 50 percent if corruption in IPPs and distribution companies (Discos) is eliminated. In support of his claim, the TIP chairman said the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) conducted an inquiry on a TIP complaint in 2012 into the fictitious loading of production cost by the KESC and independent power producers. Fertiliser manufacturers reported over-charging of Rs. 1,000 billion in ten years. The (ex) Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission, in a letter to the heads of different distribution companies had observed that Discos had installed new meters which ran at least 30 to 35 percent faster than the old ones and that the companies could adjust their speed according to their needs.
The TIP said the audit would prove the overcharging of tariff by 10 to 15 percent. The overall impact of this reduction would be more than 10 percent in bills of consumers.[18] An inquiry committee, disclosed that IPPs, energy producers have made billions of rupees in the past two decades due to flawed policies[19]. In the past eight to nine-year operational period, these companies earned Rs. 203 billion in profit against combined investment of Rs. 57.81 billion. Even after adjustment for debt, the companies earned Rs.152 billion and made dividend payments to the tune of Rs.111 billion. The individual profitability varied among the power plants as some made a higher profit with average rate of return of 87% and dividends up to seven times of their investments. How can this mafia allow Solar Net Metering to survive and eliminate the cash cow?
Weakness in NEPRA-IPPs Contracts
There are several weaknesses in contracts with IPPs, here are some of the major ones: Imbalanced risk allocation, Lack of transparency, Inflexible contracts, High tariffs, Limited competition & Lack of performance guarantees. Overall, these weaknesses in contracts with IPPs can lead to financial losses, higher electricity prices, and limited access to affordable electricity for many people in Pakistan for ever (almost, unless strategy is changed and there is will)
New deal signed with IPPs to cut cost of power generation
New deal signed with IPPs to cut the cost of power generation with the efforts of ex PM (Imran Khan) on August 14, 2020. After this deal the PM (ex) said that he will soon introduce a package that will tackle the issues of line losses & theft, and focus on improving the distribution system[20].
Read: How to end political crisis https://bit.ly/SavePak
Read: Let’s Save Pakistan https://bit.ly/SavePak
Public Debt
Before discussing Circular Debt, public Debt may be understood. The total Public Debt[21] and liabilities of Pakistan is estimated to be about Rs. 63.279 trillion/US$140 billion which is 89 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Pakistan, as of Oct 21. About Rs. 24.309 trillion is owed by the government to domestic creditors, and about Rs. 2.3 trillion is owed by Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs). The circular debt is a public debt which is a cascade of unpaid government subsidies, which results in accumulation of debt on distribution companies. As of Dec 2022, the total circular debt of Pakistan is Rs. 2.6 Tr.
The acceptable limit or GDP percentage of public debt varies depending on the economic situation, the political context, and the level of market confidence in a country. However, as a general rule, most economists suggest that a sustainable level of public debt should not exceed 60-80% of GDP.
Circular Debt
Circular debt is a complex issue that has been affecting the energy sector for many years. Circular debt in the power sector is a common problem faced by many countries, where the distribution companies (DISCOs) are unable to pay the power generation companies (GENCOs) for electricity they have purchased due to various reasons, such as poor governance, inadequate tariffs, and inefficiencies in the power sector. It also occurs when electricity generation companies are unable to pay their bills to fuel suppliers, which then leads to a domino effect of unpaid debts throughout the sector.
There are several ways countries can get rid of circular debt in the power sector. One of the most effective ways is to implement power sector reforms, which include improving the governance and management of the power sector, setting cost-reflective tariffs, promoting energy efficiency, and attracting private sector investment.
Another way is to implement targeted subsidies and financial support for the power sector. This can include providing subsidies to consumers to help pay their electricity bills, providing financial support to DISCOs and GENCOs, and offering loans or grants for energy efficiency projects.
Circular Debt is common among the 3rd world countries that are famous for corruption and bad governance (according to the Corruption Perceptions Index 2021) which include, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt and Philippines.
Point to ponder: Why do the most important, populace and powerful Muslim countries like Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria and Bangladesh, strategically located in Africa, Middle East, South Asia stand subdued under this never ending debt?[22]
(This needs another study on geopolitics)[23]. In order to get vote and financial support internationally the successive governments which remain within political mafia, family elite supported by military junta, some cosmetic measures are adopted to show that effort is in hand to eliminate corruption and circular debt. These measures are necessary to keep the cash cow (public) alive to feed the mafia.
In 2018, Pakistan launched a comprehensive plan to address the circular debt in its power sector, which included several reforms such as improving governance, reducing technical and commercial losses, increasing the efficiency of the power sector, and setting cost-reflective tariffs. The plan also included a subsidy program to support low-income households and to ease the burden on the power sector. It reduced some debt but failed to eliminate it. It has again grown up because there is no strategy to eliminate it. Half hearted cosmetic measures are just to keep the people alive to keep feeding as the cash cow or golden egg laying hen for the IPPs, corrupt political mafia and bureaucracy.
It is evident that targeted reforms and financial support can be helpful in reducing circular debt in the power sector, but something more needs to be done to eliminate it and avoid re-accumulation. Apart from corruption, following are some other reasons for circular debt in Pakistan; Subsidies and Tariffs, Inefficient Power Generation & Lack of poor Governance. The Circular Debt stands at Rs. 2.6 Tr by Dec 2022. The circular debt problem in Pakistan requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses the underlying causes of the problem. By taking the steps outlined above, the government can reduce circular debt and ensure a sustainable and reliable energy supply for the country. Adoption of an Aggressive Strategy will help to reduce and eliminate the circular debt monster.
Lifeline Consumers
To keep the poor under control, there is a category called Lifeline Consumers. The definition of lifeline consumer has been modified in Spe 2021, to include consumption of up to 100 units (earlier lifeline includes up to 50 units), having maximum of last 12 months and current month’s consumption 100 units; two rates for 50 and 100 units will continue[24].
The lifeline consumers using up to 50 units had been paying Rs. 3.95 per unit while the consumers using up to 100 units were paying Rs. 7 per unit. After the decision, the consumers using up to 100 units per month will also pay Rs. 3.95 per unit. Similarly, a new category of protected consumers has been created for those consuming 200 kWh per month consistently for the past six months[25]. They can be given free units up to a limited quantity through Strategy outline here.
Causes of USSR Demise: The collapse of the Soviet Union, also known as the USSR, the Super Power, must be kept in view. This collapse was caused by a combination of factors, both internal and external. Some of the major contributing factors included; Economic issues. Political factors & higher Military spending.
Workable Power Strategy
Get rid of circular Debt, Affordable Tariffs & Free Power for Lifeline Consumers, it’s possible.
“Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (Quran: 13:11)
“Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use intellect.” (Quran 8:22)
Eliminate dependence on IPPs by increasing solar, hydel and other renewable energy power generation projects. While Hydel power generation takes resources and time, in the meantime Solar Power Generation is encouraged at mass scale by providing incentives, loans, subsidies in manufacture and import of Solar panels and accessories. Dependence on IPPs will be reduced gradually and almost eliminated within a few years. To resolve economic miseries of the people, Solar schemes similar to BISF (Benazir Income Support Fund) need to be launched to provide Solar Net metering to poor people by the state and deduct the cost in installments from BISF. There will be no need to revise or increase BISF periodically to cater for inflation because the free 100 Solar units will take care of itself. The middle class, not entitled to BISF, may be provided loans for Solar Systems. Installments can be recovered from monthly bills while giving some relief to them as well. Net meters to keep record of Export and Import of units any excessive units be charged at normal rates. This strategy is just an outline, there is need to prepare elaborate plans for implementation involving experts, which is no rocket science. Promoting renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help to reduce electricity tariffs in the long term. Renewable energy sources can provide a cheaper and more sustainable source of power generation, which can ultimately reduce the reliance on costly fossil fuels and help to lower tariffs.
Read: Let’s Save Pakistan https://bit.ly/SavePak
Pak Politics, Economy & Corruption
Deep State and Milpolitik
The term “Deep State” is often used to refer to a covert or hidden network of influential individuals, groups, and institutions within a government or state, who are believed to have a significant impact on political and economic decision-making. While there is no consensus on the existence of a Deep State in Pakistan, some analysts argue that there are several factors that contribute to this perception like, Military Influence, Intelligence Agencies, Corruption and Informal Networks. It may be more productive for the Pakistan military to focus on strengthening its democratic institutions, improving governance and transparency, and respecting the rights of all citizens, including minority groups and political dissidents. This can help to build a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous society, where the rule of law and democratic principles are respected and upheld.
Read More:
1. Military in Politics-Pakistan https://SalaamOne.com/Milpolitik
2. Let’s Save Pakistan https://bit.ly/SavePak
A General Honoured not Cursed
George Washington was a military man (General) and is often referred to as the “Father of His Country” due to his role in leading the Continental Army to victory during the American Revolution. As President, he established many important precedents, including; 1) Two-term limit, 2) Creation of a strong executive branch, and 3) Use of the title “Mr. President.” Washington set an important precedent form: a) The peaceful transfer of power from military to civilian authority, b) Establishing the principle of civilian control of the military that remains a cornerstone of American democracy today. The nation named the Capital after him, his picture on $ bill is now an international currency. The Generals who work for the national interest are honoured, while others are cursed and the dustbin of history is full of such selfish corrupt generals[26].
Structural Economic Reforms
The economy will get support through a mix of cheap Solar energy, thus saving foreign exchange, import bills and some relief to people. However the economy requires Structural reforms, which refer to significant changes made to the underlying economic system of a country. In Pakistan, structural reforms may involve a variety of changes to the economic system, such as: Improving the regulatory environment, Enhancing the tax system, privatizing state-owned enterprises: Improving infrastructure & Enhancing the education system. Economic Reforms can be undertaken by political people who have a strong popular base and support, for which political crises need to be resolved.
Resolving Political Crisis
National Charter: Military leadership has to rise above petty politics, to protect the State from disintegration. It can be achieved by holding grand dialogue with all political, non-political forces, institutions, stakeholders, experts and academics to chalk out a minimum common charter and rules of fair play in politics and economy for stability, prosperity, development and progress of Pakistan. If they fail to do so, then there will be nothing left for anyone to protect or plunder. General George Washington &, General De Gaulle provided stability and systems to their nations and are remembered with great respect and
honour not cursed.
Read more:
https://bit.ly/SavePak
https://bit.ly/Plunder-Pakistan
The importance of justice and impartiality is emphasised, in all matters of governance and law, regardless of a person’s social status or wealth. It emphasises that a society cannot thrive if there is a double standard in the application of the law, with the powerful and wealthy receiving preferential treatment over the poor and marginalised.
Read More:
1. Rise and fall of Nations – Law of Quran: https://salaamone.com/quran-nations
2. Military in Politics-Pakistan: https://SalaamOne.com/Milpolitik
3. Let’s Save Pakistan: https://bit.ly/SavePak
Conclusion
NEPRA should stick to its plans and commitments of the past and adopt such energy policies which should lighten the burden. Solar Net metering provides quick, simple and the most economical option, which should be encouraged.
Consider the energy strategy outlined here, to get rid of circular debt, affordable tariffs & free power for the Lifeline Consumers.
Quran is the Law of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, respected by Muslims, which states:
“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]”. (Quran 2:188)[27]
“Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (Quran: 13:11)
Also Read: Rise and fall of Nations – Law of Quran: https://salaamone.com/quran-nations
Who Will Implement the Energy Strategy?
Pakistan’s problems are identified and solutions well known to the concerned people, the main problem is, who will implement them? The Military is the main power broker holding real reins of power, directly (33 years) and indirectly ever. It is difficult to comprehend as to why this fundamental issue is not in their priority? If they decide to use their influence, this issue can be tackled. The nation can only hope, expect and keep trying. The Constitution gives the option of vote, which is not just a tool of western democracy, as claimed by some un-knowledgeable (ignorants). It has valid Sharia status explained as) تیثیح یعرش یک ٹوو) by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi (Allah may bless the late, first Mufti Azam Pakistan, father of Mufti Taqi Usmani). In Sharia, our vote has three statuses: one is testimony, second is recommendation, third is advocacy in common rights. In the three positions, just as voting for a virtuous, righteous, capable person is a cause of great reward and its fruits are to be received by him, in the same way, voting for an incompetent or disobedient person is also false testimony and bad advice and illegal advocacy. Its devastating effects will also be recorded in his book of deeds. Hence people electing honest people with strong character can resolve all three intertwined problems, i.e. the Power sector’, ‘Economy; and Political instability’.[28]
References:
https://SalaamOne.com/fix-pak
[1] https://nepra.org.pk/About.php
[2] https://www.dawn.com/news/1737957
[3] https://www.nepra.org.pk/Legislation/Draft%20Net%20Metring%20Rules.pdf
[4] https://www.brecorder.com/news/40226602/pm-for-giving-discos-to-provinces
[5] [Extract: Dawn, March 13th, 2023]
[6] The News: Sep 17, 2022/
[7] http://bit.ly/3JvMbq2
[8] https://www.24newshd.tv/05-Jun-2022/wapda-employees-enjoy-annually-391m-units-free-electricity-worth-rs5-25b
[9] https://tribune.com.pk/story/2369085/free-electricity-burden-borne-by-distributors
[10] https://www.dawn.com/news/1700821
[11] https://www.brecorder.com/news/40182164
[12] https://www.dawn.com/news/1700821
[13] Estimated calculations by reverse mathematics, as LESCO is hiding Solar purchase rates, by not mentioning at bill.
[14] https://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/part2.ch1.html
[15] https://www.pakistani.org/pakistan/constitution/part2.ch1.html
[16] https://nepra.org.pk/tariff/Tariff/IPPs/002%20Solar%20IPPs/Quaid-e-Azam%20Solar/2023/TRF-303%20QASPL%20QTR%20JAN-MARCH%202023%2008-02-2023%202134-38.PDF
[17] https://www.ppib.gov.pk/commisioned_ipps.html#:~:text=Ministry%20Of%20Energy%20(Power%20Division)
[18] https://www.dawn.com/news/1141987
[19] https://tribune.com.pk/story/2199737/two-decades-flawed-policies-power-producers-make-billions-pakistan
[20] https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/08/14/new-deal-signed-with-ippsto-cut-cost-of-power-generation-pm/
[21] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_debt_of_Pakistan
[22] https://bit.ly/BernardPlan
[23] https://t.co/vQtFplMyqv
[24] https://tribune.com.pk/story/2321729/nepra-allows-govt-to-modify-definition-of-lifeline-consumer
[25] https://www.nepra.org.pk/tariff/Tariff/Ex-WAPDA%20DISCOS/2021/TRF-100%20Determination%20XWDISCOs%2023-09-2021%2037543-45.PDF
[26] https://pakistan-posts.blogspot.com/2022/12/SavePakistan.html
[27] http://www.equranlibrary.com/tafseer/maarifulquranenglish/2/188
[28] https://salaamone.com/quran-nations, How to end political crisis: https://bit.ly/SavePak
