GUJRANWALA: An electricity consumer along with his two minor children on Tuesday attempted self-immolation in front of Wapda sub-division No 2, Hafizabad, after he received Rs17,000 monthly bill.

However, municipal officials foiled his attempt while the respective sub-divisional officer rectified his bill and also sanctioned a new power meter.

Reports said Muhammad Mansha had been receiving average monthly bills. When he went to Wapda office for rectifying the bill and replacing the defective meter, the respective staff including SDO Nadir Ali allegedly denied doing so.

When Mansha received current electricity bill to the tune of Rs17,000, he again approached Wapda officials but to no avail. Later he along with his two minor children sprinkled kerosene and attempted self-immolation in front of the Wapda office. However, some officials foiled his attempt after throwing mud and clay on his clothes.

When Wapda officials came to know about the incident, they rectified his bill and sanctioned new meter.

Published in Dawn, September 17th , 2014