ISLAMABAD: The federal government has halted the approval of additional taxes on solar energy users and ordered a review of the net metering policy.
In a key decision, the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved using savings from reduced petroleum prices to lower electricity tariffs for consumers.
According to an official statement, the cabinet endorsed the Power Division’s proposal to utilize cost reductions from falling fuel prices to ease electricity costs.
Additionally, the cabinet approved revised agreements for power plants running on bagasse and sanctioned amendments to key tax laws, including income tax, sales tax on services, and federal excise duties within the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Further, tax rebates for temporary teachers and researchers were reinstated under the Income Tax Second Amendment Bill.
The cabinet also ratified decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Privatization and the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
However, solar net metering regulations approved by the ECC were sent for further review, with recommendations to be resubmitted after stakeholder consultations.
