All Pakistan Traders Association Announces Nationwide Protest Against High Electricity Bills on July 1

The All Pakistan Traders Association has declared a country-wide protest on July 1 in response to unaffordable electricity bills.

Ajmal Baloch, president of the traders’ community, highlighted the steep costs, with 200 units of electricity now priced at Rs3,000 and 201 units at Rs8,000. He also criticized the fixed tax, which ranges from Rs200 to Rs1,000, as “unacceptable.”

Baloch demanded the abolition of the seal tax, income tax, and financing cost (FC) surcharge on electricity bills. He warned that traders would launch nationwide protests if their demands were not met.

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This announcement underscores the growing frustration among businesses over increasing electricity prices and taxes, which they argue are threatening their viability.

Earlier this month, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) introduced new electricity tariffs effective from July 1, including fixed monthly charges for various consumer categories. Industrial consumers face significant fixed charge increases, with rates up to Rs2,000 for those using above 25kW.

On June 14, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a substantial reduction in electricity tariffs for industries by Rs10.69 per unit to bolster the sector and enhance exports.