ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of Finance to initiate discussions with the IMF for possible relief or waiver of electricity bills for one month in areas affected by recent floods.
The proposed relief will cover both rural and urban areas, officials confirmed. The PM emphasized the need to provide immediate support to families who have lost homes, livelihoods, and essential services due to the devastating floods.
Finance Ministry tasked with urgent talks
The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to hold early discussions with the IMF to explore options for subsidies or bill relief. Authorities aim to expedite talks so financial assistance can reach flood-affected households quickly.
Earlier, the federal government had decided to provide major relief in electricity bills. Proposals include eliminating general sales tax (GST), FC surcharge, and fixed charges. Officials are also reviewing the removal of GST and excise duty on fuel price adjustments.
Income tax, additional and surplus taxes, and retailer sales tax on electricity bills are also under consideration for possible waiver.
Federal government’s additional relief measures
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain confirmed that flood-affected households would see relief in utility bills. Provincial governments are also expected to waive land revenue taxes to ease the financial burden.
The minister clarified that any extra charges already printed on electricity bills in flood-hit areas will be corrected, ensuring households are not overcharged.
Support for farmers
In addition to electricity bill relief, the government plans to launch a farmers’ relief package. This package will compensate for crop and livestock losses once surveys of flood-affected regions are completed.
Officials say the coordinated efforts with the IMF and provincial governments aim to provide timely and substantial support to those severely affected by Pakistan’s recent floods.
In other news read more about 30 Dead in Punjab Floods Boat Accidents as Rescue Efforts Continue
