The federal government has decided to offer significant relief on electricity bills for flood victims, in addition to a dedicated farmers’ package to compensate for the damage to crops and livestock caused by the recent floods.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain confirmed that the government is working to eliminate several charges for flood-affected households. These measures may include the removal of general sales tax, FC surcharge, and fixed charges on electricity bills, with additional proposals to waive fuel price adjustment taxes, income tax, additional and surplus taxes, and retailer sales tax.
The minister also emphasized that the provincial government will waive land revenue, and special attention will be given to correcting any additional electricity bills already issued in flood-hit areas.
Farmers’ Package to Compensate for Losses
In addition to the electricity relief, the government announced a farmers’ package aimed at compensating for the loss of crops and animals due to the flooding.
Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that a survey of flood-affected areas will be completed within 10 days, and initial data on crop damage has already been compiled. Rice was the most affected crop, particularly in the Gujranwala division, where up to 18 percent of crops were damaged. The overall damage to other crops ranged from one to three percent.
