In a significant move, the Punjab cabinet, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, approved a Rs46 billion relief package in electricity bills for residents of Punjab and Islamabad on Thursday. The decision, made during the 14th provincial cabinet meeting, marks a substantial relief effort as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to easing economic pressures on citizens.
“Alhamdulillah, the promise of giving relief to people in electricity bills has been fulfilled,” said CM Maryam Nawaz, acknowledging former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s role in securing the much-needed relief. She emphasized the unprecedented nature of this relief, noting that over two million electricity bills have been issued to consumers with the new reduced charges clearly highlighted.
“This relief in electricity bills is not just a measure, but a right for the people,” CM Maryam asserted, adding that more than 1.5 lakh consumers in Islamabad are also benefiting from this initiative. She also highlighted that the Punjab government is planning a solar panel project to provide sustainable long-term relief in electricity costs.
In a related development, the Punjab cabinet approved the province’s first comprehensive Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan 2024, which was presented by senior provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. Additionally, the cabinet lauded Minister for Construction and Communications Sohaib Malik and Secretary Sohail Ashraf for saving Rs10 billion through the e-tendering of construction projects. Other decisions included the formation of the Punjab Zakat and Ushr Council, the dissolution and re-establishment of the Punjab Baitul-Mal Council, and the leasing of government land to Al-Shifa Hospital for eye treatment in Lahore.
Meanwhile, in Sindh, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari voiced his criticism of Punjab’s power bill relief, comparing it to former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Rs20/litre petrol price cut in 2022, which he viewed as a temporary measure. Speaking at the Chief Minister’s House in Sindh during a ceremony to distribute solar home systems, Bilawal expressed his concerns about the sustainability of Punjab’s interim economic relief, which is set to last only two months.
Bilawal urged Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to engage with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to explore a more comprehensive, countrywide relief plan for electricity costs. He emphasized that Sindh’s approach would focus on green energy solutions, such as solar power, to provide free electricity to low-income families consuming up to 300 units. Additionally, Bilawal highlighted the ongoing investments in wind power and the development of three energy parks in Sindh under a public-private partnership, aimed at reducing electricity costs in the long term.
Bilawal’s remarks also touched on the broader challenges facing Pakistan’s energy sector, criticizing the inefficiency of federal agencies and the added burden of higher taxes due to the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) shortcomings. He underscored the importance of sustainable energy solutions, like the Thar coal project, to achieve affordable electricity for all.
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