ISLAMABAD – Residents of the federal capital are no longer able to enjoy a subsidy of Rs14 per unit in electricity bills for the month of September 2024 as the Punjab government has reversed the decision due to growing pressure from IMF.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has confirmed the development about withdrawing the subsidy for Islamabad citizens in electricity bills.
The announcement has shocked the Islamabad residents, who enjoyed a significant relief in electricity bills for the month of August.
What Was the Relief Package?
Last month, Punjab government had announced a Rs14 per unit discount on electricity bills for August and September for consumers using up to 500 units. The package was announced for residents of Punjab and Islamabad.
PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif had made the announcement, stating that the government had reallocated Rs45 billion from the developmental budget to provide relief to the people.
He had made announcement alongside his daughter, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in a presser. PML-N leader also confirmed that this relief, which is set to benefit 2.5 crores consumers and amount to Rs50 billion, is aimed at 94pc of the country’s domestic electricity users.
Update about Electricity Bills for September 2024
As the relief has been withdrawn for Islamabad, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company customers in the federal capital will receive their September bills based on the electricity rates effective from July 1 instead of subsidized rates.
However, the subsidy for consumers in Punjab will remain in place until September 30.
