Residents of Islamabad will no longer benefit from the Rs14 per unit subsidy on their electricity bills for September 2024. The Punjab government has reversed its decision to provide this relief due to growing pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari confirmed the withdrawal of the subsidy for Islamabad residents.
The announcement has come as a shock to the residents of Islamabad, who had enjoyed significant relief on their electricity bills in August.
What Was the Relief Package?
In August, the Punjab government announced a subsidy of Rs14 per unit on electricity bills for consumers using up to 500 units in August and September. This package was intended for residents of Punjab and Islamabad.PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, announced the relief, stating that the government had reallocated Rs45 billion from the developmental budget to ease the financial burden on citizens.
The subsidy was expected to benefit 2.5 crore consumers, accounting for 94% of the country’s domestic electricity users.
Update on Electricity Bills for September 2024
With the withdrawal of the subsidy for Islamabad, customers of the Islamabad Electric Supply Company will receive their September bills based on the electricity rates effective from July 1, 2024, instead of the previously subsidized rates.However, the subsidy for consumers in Punjab will remain in place until September 30, 2024.
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