Free units perk abolished for Discos Employees
Court backs govt move to end employee electricity subsidy
The government has abolished free electricity units for power sector employees, with Federal Minister for Power Division Awais Leghari welcoming the Lahore High Court’s decision in favor of the policy.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, Awais Leghari said the court had accepted the Power Division’s petition, allowing the government to proceed with ending the long-standing facility of free units for employees.
He termed the move a historic step, stating that for the first time in the country’s history, the facility had been withdrawn under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He added that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to reforming the power sector and addressing structural inefficiencies.The minister said the abolition of free electricity units had been a longstanding public demand, as consumers had raised concerns over the financial burden such subsidies placed on the system. He noted that the government had now fulfilled that demand through legal and policy measures.
Awais Leghari said the Lahore High Court’s ruling provided legal backing to the government’s stance, strengthening its position to implement reforms aimed at improving transparency and fairness in the energy sector.He added that the decision would help reduce distortions in tariff structures and contribute to a more equitable distribution of costs among consumers.
The minister emphasized that such measures are necessary to ensure financial discipline and sustainability in the power sector.The power sector in Pakistan has faced persistent challenges, including high losses, circular debt, and tariff pressures, prompting successive governments to introduce reforms.
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Officials have often pointed to subsidies and inefficiencies as key drivers of financial strain.The minister reiterated that the government remains committed to taking all necessary steps for the collective benefit of the country and its people. He said further reforms would be pursued to strengthen the sector and improve service delivery.
He concluded that the government would continue implementing policies that support economic stability and reduce undue burdens on consumers, signaling more structural changes ahead in the power sector.