ISLAMABAD: Official documents presented in the National Assembly on Thursday revealed that the Energy Ministry spends billions of rupees annually on providing free electricity to over 200,000 current and retired employees.
The records disclosed that these employees collectively consume 441.5 million units of electricity free of charge each year. Of this, 308.2 million units are allocated to serving employees, while 133.2 million units benefit retired staff.
The majority of beneficiaries are employees of Distribution Companies (DISCOs), with 149,000 individuals—78,000 active and 71,800 retired—receiving free electricity. This is followed by 20,000 serving and 6,000 retired employees of the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC).
Other recipients include 7,315 active and 5,381 retired employees of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and 159 employees of the Power Information Technology Company (PITC).
The revelations have sparked concerns over the financial burden of such perks on the energy sector, which is already grappling with circular debt and tariff challenges.
Story by Waqas Ahmed
