Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has introduced a three-month electricity relief package, effective from December through February, to incentivize energy use during the winter’s lower demand period.
The plan sets a flat rate of Rs26.07 per unit for residential consumers who use additional electricity beyond their typical consumption.
For households using over 200 units in the protected category, this package provides discounts of up to Rs26.7 per unit, enabling savings between Rs11.42 and Rs26 per unit.
Industrial consumers will see their rates reduced by Rs5.27 to Rs15.5 per unit, amounting to savings between 18% and 37%, while commercial consumers will benefit from subsidies of Rs13.46 to Rs22.71 per unit, translating to 34% to 47% in savings.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that this relief package would foster economic growth by enhancing agricultural productivity, increasing industrial output, stimulating business activity, and boosting exports.
He acknowledged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for authorizing the package and commended his team’s efforts in its implementation.
The Prime Minister highlighted the country’s economic progress, including record-high foreign remittances reaching $8 billion in the first quarter, attributing this success to Pakistan’s overseas community.
He also cited improved economic indicators, such as a reduction in inflation to 6.7% and a policy rate decrease to 15%, which he believes will attract investment and spur development.
The Power Division confirmed that the reduced rates will apply to domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, aiming to balance seasonal electricity demand while supporting growth.
This announcement follows the recent decision by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to cut electricity charges by Rs1.28 per unit, reflecting lower fuel prices in September.
Prior to this, NEPRA had approved a Rs1.743 per unit rate increase from September to November to raise Rs43.23 billion for ex-Wapda distribution companies.
The Prime Minister’s announcement took place on Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s birth anniversary. He paid tribute to Iqbal’s philosophical contributions, urging the nation’s youth to adopt Iqbal’s ideals to help build a prosperous future for Pakistan.
The celebration included performances of Iqbal’s poetry, with singers like Shehzad Roy and young talents Mahnoor Altaf and Ashir Sultan performing the renowned hymn “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua.”
The PM concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing quality education in fields like AI, IT, and vocational training to ensure Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global economy.
