ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced plans to ease the financial burden on citizens in flood-affected areas by offering relief on electricity bills. Minister for Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, confirmed that taxes on electricity bills for households impacted by the floods would be waived. In addition to federal relief, provincial governments will also work on waiving land revenue for affected regions.
The government is also addressing the issue of inflated electricity bills, with many bills being issued before the floods struck. Authorities have pledged to take action to rectify the situation and ensure fair billing for those in affected areas.
Rana Tanveer also highlighted that once surveys of the flood-impacted regions are complete, a farmers’ support package will be announced. The survey is expected to conclude by mid-September, and preliminary data indicates crop losses ranging from 1% to 3% across various areas, with the Gujranwala division experiencing the highest damage, up to 18%. Rice fields, in particular, have suffered significant losses.
Proposals under review include the removal of the general sales tax, financing cost surcharge, and fixed charges on electricity bills. The government is also considering eliminating taxes related to fuel price adjustments and various other levies from the bills.
These efforts come in response to the ongoing devastation caused by the country’s second major monsoon flooding in three years. Since June, the floods have claimed over 900 lives, displaced over one million people, and inundated more than 1,400 villages, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.
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