WHENEVER there is a power crisis, which is often, the authorities try to fool the masses by laying the blame for power shortage on excessive demand and lower power generation. However, the fact is totally different.

The government started privatising power-generation in the 1990s and entered into a loss-making agreement with independent power producers (IPPs) to buy the power at a higher cost so they may enjoy monopolistic profits. Tax exemptions and other benefits are in addition to the profit. The government then sells the electricity to the nation at subsidised rates which creates an unending deficit.

When the government is unable to clear the dues of IPPs timely, they resort to loadshedding to put pressure on the government. The country has been stuck in this messed-up situation for the last many years. The question is: why do the leaders lie to the masses, and who will hold them accountable for signing a wrong contract with the IPPs?

Saadat Ali

Peshawar

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2021