Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Sunday that the Rs14 per unit subsidy provided by the Punjab government will be financed through the province’s own budget.
In response to widespread public outcry and opposition criticism over rising electricity prices, the Punjab government declared on Friday that customers using up to 500 units will receive a Rs14 per unit subsidy for August and September. This move, seen as an effort to appease the PML-N’s voter base in Punjab, was unveiled by party president Nawaz Sharif.
At a press conference in Islamabad, Aurangzeb addressed what she described as “propaganda” concerning the economic situation. “This misinformation is causing unnecessary conflicts between provinces, so it’s important to clarify that the Punjab government is funding this relief from its own budget,” she said.
Aurangzeb explained that the subsidy is being funded by reducing expenditures and reallocating funds from various programs. The energy department has been assisting in providing estimates to ensure the provincial government meets its goals.
“Nawaz Sharif has also urged other provinces to reduce their expenditures and offer similar relief to their citizens,” Aurangzeb noted. “We would be pleased to see similar relief measures in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan.”
She emphasized that improved governance and policy changes have enabled the Punjab government to offer affordable bread to its people. “Instead of appreciating the power tariff reduction, falsehoods and propaganda are being spread, and the issue is being politicized,” she added.
Aurangzeb, echoing Nawaz Sharif, attributed the high electricity prices to the previous PTI administration and absolved the current federal government of any responsibility. She highlighted the Punjab government’s achievements, including the Ramzan relief package and the laptop scheme, and encouraged other provinces to follow suit.
Last week, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) announced a Rs2.56 per unit increase in electricity tariffs, the second consecutive hike following a Rs3.33 per unit rise for fuel adjustment in May. The increased bills particularly impacted lifeline consumers (using 51-100 units per month) and those in the protected category (up to 200 monthly units), who faced higher rates due to being pushed out of their monthly ceiling.
