ISLAMABAD: Power distribution companies across Pakistan collected more than Rs. 700 billion in taxes from consumers through electricity bills in fiscal year 2024-25. This significant figure reveals the heavy load ordinary citizens carry to support national revenue targets.
Lahore leads massive tax recovery
The Lahore Electric Supply Company topped the list by collecting over Rs. 198 billion from its consumers. Officials note that this makes LESCO the largest tax collector among all distribution firms. Following closely, the Multan Electric Power Company gathered Rs. 118 billion, while the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company recovered Rs. 112 billion during the same period.
Moreover, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company collected around Rs. 87.63 billion in taxes from residents in the federal capital and surrounding regions. In other areas, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company generated more than Rs. 50 billion, and the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company contributed about Rs. 20 billion. These numbers show how power bills have become a major channel for indirect taxation in the country.
Smaller utilities lag behind
At the lower end, the Tribal Electric Supply Company recorded a sharp drop and managed to collect only Rs. 190 million in the entire year. Consumers continue to express frustration over rising bills that include multiple taxes and surcharges on top of actual electricity usage.
Experts point out that this system places extra pressure on households and businesses already facing inflation and economic challenges. Many citizens question how authorities use these funds while frequent power outages persist. Power companies actively recover these taxes directly from bills, which makes electricity costlier for everyone.
This trend highlights the growing reliance on electricity consumers to meet tax collection goals. As energy costs rise, families and industries feel the pinch even more. Stakeholders now call for greater transparency and relief measures to ease the burden on common Pakistanis.
