Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday declared the elimination of the Pakistan Television (PTV) license fee from electricity bills nationwide.
During the inauguration ceremony of the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” mobile application in Islamabad, the Prime Minister stated that the government is undertaking urgent measures to tackle the “four-pronged challenge” in the power sector: electricity theft, low consumption, circular debt, and high production costs.
He highlighted that an estimated Rs 500 billion worth of electricity is stolen annually, which remains one of the sector’s most significant challenges. “We must control electricity theft with lightning speed,” he emphasized, adding that efforts are underway and he is personally overseeing the matter.
Mr. Sharif also acknowledged that current electricity consumption is lower than production. However, he attributed this primarily to the rapid solarization taking place across the country, which he welcomed. He noted, “Solar energy is the cheapest source of electricity globally, and Pakistan is among the few countries experiencing rapid solarization.”
He reassured that the government will not discourage the use of solar panels and committed to safeguarding the rights of electricity consumers throughout the reform process. “The true benefit of ‘Apna Meter, Apna Reading’ is for the ordinary consumer. It’s a revolutionary initiative,” he asserted, suggesting that the project should be implemented nationwide and translated into at least five local languages.
The newly introduced mobile application enables consumers to submit their own meter readings, a step the government believes will enhance billing transparency and reduce complaints.
Mr. Sharif also revealed that the government has reduced electricity prices by Rs 4.5 per unit following intricate negotiations with independent power producers (IPPs) and investors. He further mentioned that declining international oil prices have facilitated an additional Rs 7.5 per unit decrease in power tariffs.
In recent years, electricity prices in Pakistan have been a contentious issue, with successive governments struggling to manage escalating costs, administer subsidies, and mitigate losses from line theft and unpaid bills.
The Prime Minister stated that the current reforms aim to ensure “affordable electricity for industrial and domestic consumers” while upholding fiscal discipline. He also confirmed that the circular debt issue has been addressed after extensive discussions with banks, expressing optimism that these reforms will pave the way for economic stability and growth.
Describing the new app as a significant innovation, the Prime Minister urged the Energy Minister to oversee its deployment from “Karachi to Peshawar” and to involve the Information Ministry to ensure broader public engagement.
