Power tariff increased by 2%

An increase of two per cent in the power tariff will be applicable on upcoming electricity bills.

Talking to Express News, the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf, said the government had issued a notification in this regard.

Ashraf said the power price hike was necessary but will not be a heavy burden on the people.

The government decided to raise the electricity tariff by two per cent per annum last month.

This decision was taken in light of International Monetary Fund directives calling on the government to introduce reforms in the power sector.

The IMF, however, clarified yesterday that it had not asked Pakistan to increase electricity tariff as this is something the country has to decide itself.

“The IMF has only asked Pakistan to solve the issues related to the energy crisis in consultation with the World Bank and the IMF,” it said.

The government has decided to gradually call off subsidies on electricity and shift the burden to the general public.