Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the Ulema-Mashaikh Conference on Thursday, acknowledged the financial strain faced by electricity consumers using between 200 to 500 units, assuring them that the government is actively seeking solutions to provide relief.
While highlighting the recent Rs50 billion cut from the development budget to support lifeline consumers (using up to 200 units) for three months, the Prime Minister admitted, “But the consumers using 200 to 500 units of electricity are still under the burden.”
He revealed ongoing discussions with key stakeholders, including Nawaz Sharif, the coalition government, and the army chief, to formulate a comprehensive plan to alleviate the burden on inflation-stricken citizens. “I hope that hopefully, we will try to provide further relief to poor people from inflation and electricity prices,” PM Sharif stated, adding that provincial governments would make related announcements soon.
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The Prime Minister also addressed the government’s decision to approach the International Monetary Fund, explaining it as a necessary measure to stabilize the economy.
This announcement comes on the heels of last month’s relief package for lifeline consumers, offering a reduction of up to Rs7 per unit for three months, benefiting approximately 25 million domestic consumers.