Islamabad [Pakistan], March 16 : Pakistan People Party (PPP) spokesperson Shazia Marri heavily criticised the Pakistan government's new policy regarding alternative energy, and said her party would challenge it, ARY News.
Marri cleared PPP's opinion on the policy and drew attention to its harmful effects on solar energy consumers and the future of the country's renewable energy.
The PPP spokesperson also condemned the government amendments to net metering regulations, which will now force solar energy users to sell electricity at a reduced rate of 10 Pakistani Rupees (PKR) per unit compared to the previous price of 27 PKR per unit.
Furthermore, Shazia Marri described the government's policy change as a direct attack on alternative energy consumers and a betrayal of Pakistan's future in green energy. She added that the policy has forced the consumers to purchase electricity from the national grid at an exorbitant price of 65 PKR per unit, which will discourage the adoption of renewable energy, as reported by ARY News.
Marri highlighted the influence of mafias in the power sector and accused the Pakistani government of corruption and inefficiency. She also stated that the policy has a 550 percent disparity, which makes it economically unfair and unjust.
She dismissed the government's claim that consumers are only burdened by a 90-paise burden and argued that the real financial strain comes from the "idle capacity payments," and an annual loss of 600 billion PKR can occur due to power theft and unpaid bills.
Shazia Marri alleged that the government is punishing individuals and businesspeople just for the sake of energy independence. She also stated that the government is not paying attention to solving the critical issues related to the policy, ARY reported.
She further claimed that the policy would deter local and foreign investments in the renewable energy sector, force consumers to pay inflated electricity rates, and diminish development opportunities in the green energy sector.
The PPP spokesperson also described the policy as an attack on Pakistan's energy and economic sovereignty. She demanded its immediate withdrawal and legal action against the violators.
Marri also declared that the PPP would challenge the decision through judicial, political, and public avenues if necessary.
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