The prime minister has instructed the Finance Ministry to immediately contact the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding a plan to waive or provide relief on electricity bills for one month in flood-hit areas, ensuring quick assistance for affected citizens.
According to sources, the relief will be extended equally to both urban and rural flood-affected regions across Pakistan. The federal government has already decided to provide major relief on power bills, with several proposals under review.
Options being considered include removing General Sales Tax (GST), Fuel Cost (FC) surcharge, and fixed charges from electricity bills. Proposals also suggest eliminating GST and excise duty on fuel price adjustments, along with waiving income tax, additional taxes, and retailer sales tax.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that practical measures are being taken to abolish taxes on electricity bills for flood victims. He confirmed that federal authorities will provide the relief, while provincial governments will waive land revenue taxes.
He added that notices will be issued regarding additional bills already printed in flood-affected areas.
Meanwhile, the government has also decided to launch a farmer’s compensation package to cover crop and livestock losses. Rana Tanveer Hussain said the package will be announced as soon as surveys of the affected areas are completed.
