- Premier Shehbaz says domestic consumers in flood-affected areas to receive one-month bill waiver, assures refunds for those who already paid
- Vows relief as ‘Khadim-e-Pakistan,’ pledging to stand by victims until complete resettlement
LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced that the electricity bills of all domestic consumers in flood-affected areas for the month of August will be completely waived.
In his broadcast address to the nation in the evening, the premier said that unprecedented rains and floods have caused widespread devastation across several parts of Pakistan, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of homes, displacement of families, and damage to livestock and livelihoods.
He said the federal government, provincial authorities, the people, and the Pakistan Army were working together in rescue and relief operations to ensure provision of food supplies and healthcare facilities to the affected communities.
“In view of the immense hardships being faced by the flood victims, I have decided that the August electricity bills of all domestic consumers in the flood-hit areas are being waived. Families will not have to pay their bills for that month,” the prime minister announced.
Premier Shehbaz added that those domestic consumers who have already cleared their August bills will be reimbursed, with the amount adjusted in their next billing cycle. “Clear instructions in this regard have already been issued,” he confirmed.
The Prime Minister further said that a detailed assessment of the damages sustained by electricity consumers in the agricultural, commercial, and industrial sectors was underway. He directed that the collection of their August bills be deferred until the assessment was complete. “If the evaluation shows significant losses, additional relief measures will also be announced for these sectors,” he assured, adding that immediate orders have been conveyed to the concerned electricity distribution companies.
The premier acknowledged the immense suffering of families in the affected regions, particularly the elderly, women, and children. He said the decision to waive the bills was a humble gesture from the government to ease their burden.
“This waiver is a small effort on behalf of your Khadim-e-Pakistan. We understand your pain, and it is our responsibility to stand with you in this time of trial,” he remarked.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to rehabilitation, PM Shehbaz pledged that efforts would not stop until every displaced person was resettled and every affected family was supported in rebuilding their lives.
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