Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar Haq and Chairman WAPDA Lt. Gen. Sajjad Ghani have saved the people of Azad Kashmir Rs. 1 billion on electricity meters. The government had decided to install new meters in all districts, but the prices quoted by Pakistani manufacturing companies were very high. Chairman WAPDA and the Prime Minister took a categorical stand that they would not buy expensive meters, and threatened to order them from China. This threat worked, and the manufacturers reduced their rates.

The government has now purchased 40,000 meters for Rs. 16 crore, instead of the Rs. 1 billion 16 crore that was originally quoted. The new meters will be installed in commercial and residential areas where electricity meters have not been installed throughout Azad Kashmir. Azad Kashmir Government Minister Chaudhry Arshad Hussain said that the government has taken a principled decision that a strict crackdown will be done against the people involved in these crimes. He also thanked the Chairman WAPD and Prime Minister for their efforts.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)