Islamabad: The preliminary approval has been granted by the federal cabinet to allow the payment of electricity bills for the months of July and August in manageable installments.
As per reports from Express News, a session of the federal cabinet was convened under the leadership of Interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar. During the meeting, discussions centered around the issue of elevated electricity bills nationwide, public protests, and potential relief measures.
Within the meeting, the Power Division tabled several propositions aimed at providing relief to the general populace. After thorough deliberation, the Cabinet endorsed the notion of splitting the bills for July and August into more feasible payments. However, sources indicate that while cabinet approval has been granted, the ultimate decision hinges on receiving the green light from the IMF.
Simultaneously, the matter of providing complimentary electricity to employees of Discos and WAPDA was a subject of discourse in the cabinet assembly. Following the Prime Minister’s directive, the matter of allotting free units of electricity to Discos and WAPDA staff members has been referred to the Energy Committee for further examination.
Prior to this, the Power Division had put forward a proposal advocating for staggered payment of electricity bills. Additionally, suggestions included the option to settle the heftier bills during the winter months, as well as extending a uniform benefit to domestic consumers in relation to their electricity bills. Furthermore, considerations are being made to seek input from the Finance Ministry concerning the potential elimination of sales tax and income tax on electricity bills.
Sources reveal that a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of Rs.9 per unit is levied on electricity bills, and there was a proposal to curtail market and office operations until 6 pm as a means to curbing electricity costs.
