ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has withdrawn the Rs14 per unit electricity subsidy for consumers in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), effective immediately. The decision, reportedly influenced by International Monetary Fund (IMF) pressure, will result in higher electricity bills for residents of Islamabad and surrounding areas.
The Islamabad Electricity Supply Company (IESCO) issued a notification confirming the discontinuation of the subsidy for the month of September. As a result, ICT consumers will now be billed according to the federal government’s revised electricity rates, which saw a hike of up to 51% starting July 1.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari explained that while the subsidy will remain in place for Punjab residents until September 30, the IMF had urged provinces to cease offering any subsidies under Pakistan’s 37-month loan program.
This withdrawal is expected to save the Punjab government several billion rupees, though it may lead to a significant price shock for ICT consumers in the coming months.
Story by Shahbaz Rana
