Sharif reduces power tariffs to upstage anti-govt protests

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today reduced nationwide power tariffs to provide relief to the people in an apparent bid to upstage anti-government protests by opposition leader Imran Khan in Pakistan's commercial hub Karachi.
Sharif today announced the reduction in power tariff by Rs 2.32 per unit and hinted at further reduction in petroleum prices next month.
"The aim of my government is to end power shortages and reduce tariffs," he said at a press briefing in Peshawar, adding that his government was giving relief to the people despite economic hardships.
Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf chief Khan are demonstrating today in economic hub of Karachi against alleged rigging in 2013 general elections which Nawaz-led PML-N party won.

The reduction of power rates came after two successive reductions in oil prices in last two months which were slashed by more than 15 per cent.
It is believed that the government wants to upstage Khan who has been protesting since mid-August to initiate an impartial probe into the alleged poll rigging.

The cricketer-turned-politician has threatened to shut down the entire country by December 18 if the government failed to set up a commission to investigate the rigging charges.
He protested in Faisalabad on Monday which led to the closure of the city due to clashes which claimed the life of one person and left 17 others injured.

The protest in Karachi has so far been peaceful today but traffic has been suspended on major roads as Khan's supporters have occupied the main arteries. Businesses are also closed in some areas.