ISLAMABAD: The federal government has dismissed reports suggesting electricity subsidies for protected consumers are being withdrawn, reaffirming that eligible households will continue receiving financial support under a newly introduced QR code verification system.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari clarified that consumers using under 200 electricity units remain covered under the subsidy framework.
“The government is not ending electricity subsidies for protected consumers,” the minister said, terming reports claiming otherwise “factually incorrect.”
According to the minister, more than 20 million consumers currently fall under the protected category and will continue to receive uninterrupted relief through the QR code mechanism.
QR Code System to Improve Targeted Subsidy Delivery
Leghari explained that the QR code initiative is aimed at building a verified consumer database to ensure subsidies reach deserving beneficiaries more efficiently.
Consumers receiving subsidies are being asked to complete registration and provide relevant information as part of the new system.
Government figures show electricity subsidy beneficiaries have expanded significantly — rising from 9.5 million to 21.5 million over the last four years. At present, approximately 29.57 million domestic consumers, representing 86% of total residential users, are receiving subsidised electricity support.
The minister also ruled out any upcoming tax burden on electricity bills, stating that no proposal for additional taxes is currently under consideration.
Energy Reforms Delivering Financial Gains
Highlighting broader power sector reforms, Leghari claimed the government’s renegotiation of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) generated savings of Rs3.5 trillion.
He further stated that improved efficiency and lower distribution company losses contributed savings of Rs193 billion, while circular debt declined by Rs780 billion during FY2024–25.
Defending recent claims of reduced electricity tariffs, the minister maintained that ongoing reforms are delivering measurable benefits and direct consumer relief.
Solar Policy Unchanged, Net Metering Continues
Addressing concerns around solar energy policy, Leghari stressed that the government is not discouraging solar adoption.
He clarified that net metering remains intact, with only billing procedures undergoing adjustments to improve transparency.
More than 2 million single-phase consumers have already completed registration, while officials estimate 90% of domestic users will remain unaffected by the revised net billing framework.
The minister also announced regulatory easing measures, including the removal of licensing requirements for solar installations of 25kW and below, alongside simplified approvals for smaller projects.
Accountability Action After Khawaja Asif Complaint
On governance and accountability, Leghari confirmed disciplinary action against a Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) line superintendent following corruption concerns raised publicly by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
The issue surfaced after Asif shared a post on X regarding difficulties faced in repairing a transformer in a village connected to his domestic employee.
Calling the episode an example of institutional accountability, Leghari said:
“The tweet is a source of pride for us because we believe in self-accountability.”
He confirmed that strict action was taken against the concerned official following the complaint.
— Axis Pakistan