Islamabad, Aug 10 (ANI): The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, while seeking a written reply from the Ministry of Water and Power regarding payments to the Independent Power Producers (IPP), has said people cry about the non-availability of electricity, but utilise it illegally and avoid paying their bills.

The counsel for IPPs, Khalid Anwar, said the government admits that the circular debt has surpassed Rs.400 billion, and if IPP projects were closed, the load shedding would increase by three hours and 20 minutes daily, reports The News.

Khawaja Ahmed Tariq, representing the Ministry of Water and Power, said the IPPs would be paid Rs 8 billion on August 30 while more payment would be made in September. (ANI)