Renowned actor Naumaan Ijaz has taken a sharp dig at the recent hike in electricity prices and the controversial unit-based billing system, urging an end to what he called the “200-unit cruelty.”
In Pakistan, the recurring rise in power tariffs has become a growing concern for citizens, and now voices from the showbiz industry are also joining the protest. With scorching heat and load-shedding worsening across the country, inflated electricity bills have doubled the hardships for the public.
As household meters tick rapidly, so do the anxieties of consumers, prompting the constant question: how long will this continue?
Amid this backdrop, NEPRA recently announced revisions in the electricity tariff structure for domestic users.
According to the new policy, consumers using 1 to 100 units will be charged Rs. 10.54 per unit, while those using 101 to 200 units will pay Rs. 13 per unit. However, for non-protected users exceeding 200 units, the rate will jump to Rs. 22.44 per unit, and for over 201 units, rates can range from Rs. 28.91 to Rs. 47.69 per unit.
While these figures may seem simple on paper, surviving under such rates is anything but easy for the common man.
Expressing his frustration on social media, Naumaan Ijaz wrote that in this intense heat, a common man keeps looking at the electric meter, the sun, and his children — but finds no relief. He appealed to the government to eliminate the 200-unit slab system and show mercy to the people.
According to him, this unjust structure is only worsening public suffering, as ordinary citizens are being crushed under the weight of soaring electricity bills.
NEPRA has stated that these new rates will be implemented after government approval. However, the public is already struggling due to high electricity costs and prolonged outages.
Naumaan Ijaz’s post has resonated widely, echoing the concerns of countless households across the country who are grappling with heavy bills and the constant on-and-off struggle with power during this intense summer.
