Daily Times

Amid heart-wrenching sob tales of people forced to sell jewellery and household items, delay other payments or give up on the supply of electricity in unbearably hot months over a string of new taxes imposed on the inflated bills, it was only about time that the government would have to take one step or another to show its commitment. From the looks of surprising news reports, the authorities have finally listened and are ready to take away the provision of free electricity to WAPDA employees. In the last few days, scandalous bills of those working under WAPDA and Disco made an appearance on social media trends where many wondered why they were bearing the burden of such subsidies. There were widespread calls for not paying bills as the entire country erupted in protests. No one should have to choose between whether to keep the light on or the roof over his head and the fact that our financial troubles have come to such a point is a glaring sign of a revolution hovering nearby. We, at Daily Times, can never stand behind anyone who dares challenge the write of the state but there has to be a limit to what those standing at the helm of the affairs expect their citizens to sacrifice. In a heartening development, interim prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar summoned an emergency meeting to work on whatsoever relief can be accommodated to the common man being burned alive by hunger pangs. It can only be expected for his administration to at least try to work–within his mandate–for the welfare of the masses. The buck should not stop with WAPDA employees and take stock of all facilities being provided to all government workers at the expense of the people they are supposed to serve. Although the constitutional requirements call for immediate polls, the show has to go on. Pakistan cannot be allowed to drown as everyone waits for the next rounds of hands to stand up and take the baton. *