Shaukat Nawaz Mir Opposes New Electricity Bill Rules in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a local leader from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), has raised concerns about increasing electricity bills in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He is against a new notification that reduces the installment period for paying these bills from 24 months to 12 months.
Previous Agreement
Mir explained that during negotiations with the government, it was agreed that the due bills would be paid in 24 installments. He stated, “In our negotiations with the representatives of our government, it was agreed that the due bills would be paid in 24 installments. But today’s notification says the bills should be paid in 12 months. We do not accept this notification as we will pay our previous bill as per the commitment; otherwise, we will not pay this bill.”
Details of the Agreement
Mir further clarified that during discussions with the Chief Secretary of PoJK, it was decided that all outstanding bills would be put on hold. While residents demanded a complete waiver, the government argued it would lead to significant revenue loss. As a compromise, charges for commercial establishments were waived, and fuel adjustments were canceled. The remaining amount was to be paid in 24 installments.
Public Message
Mir emphasized that the public, government, and institutions have been informed about the verbal agreement via social media. He reiterated, “We have also issued a statement on the official page of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. If our bills are not settled according to the proper commitment, we will not pay our bills.”
Public Reaction
Residents in PoJK are struggling with severe overbilling of electricity, which has become a significant burden. Protests have erupted in major cities and towns, with demonstrators calling for transparency and fairness in the billing process.
Doubts Revealed
Shaukat Nawaz Mir -: Shaukat Nawaz Mir is a leader from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, which is a group that represents the people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir -: Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is a region that is controlled by Pakistan but is also claimed by India. It is part of the larger area of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee -: The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee is a group that works to address the concerns and issues of people living in Jammu and Kashmir.
Electricity bills -: Electricity bills are the charges people have to pay for using electricity in their homes and businesses.
Installment period -: The installment period is the time given to pay off a bill in smaller parts instead of all at once. In this case, it was reduced from 24 months to 12 months.