Pakistan to contact IMF for relief in electricity bills to flood victims

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of Finance to initiate talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a possible complete waiver or some relief of electricity bills for one month in areas hit hard by recent floods.

Relief for flood victims across cities, villages

Official sources confirmed that the proposed relief will not be limited to rural areas but will also extend to flood-affected cities across Pakistan. The PM emphasized that immediate support must be provided to people who have lost homes, livelihoods, and access to essential services due to the devastating floods. 

The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to hold early discussions with the IMF to explore options for bill relief or subsidies. Officials were told that the talks should be expedited so that the government can provide quick financial assistance to struggling families.

The federal government had earlier decided to provide major relief in electricity bills for flood victims. Authorities have been considering eliminating general sales tax (GST), FC surcharge, and fixed charges from electricity bills. There is also a proposal to remove GST and excise duty on the fuel price adjustment component. 

Additionally, income tax, additional and surplus tax, as well as retailer sales tax on electricity bills are under review for possible waiver.