ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday assured that the government will not hinder Pakistan’s ongoing solarisation boom, calling it the most affordable source of electricity in the world.
Speaking at the launch of the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” mobile app, the prime minister highlighted that Pakistan is among the few countries where solar adoption is growing rapidly. He called the app a game-changer in ensuring transparency in billing and empowering consumers.
To further support solarisation, Shehbaz noted that the government reduced the proposed 18% sales tax on imported solar panel components to 10%, which applies to just 46% of items. This will only raise solar panel prices by around 4.6%, Finance Minister Aurangzeb previously explained.
The new app allows users to upload meter readings themselves, which will then be used to generate bills. Available in five languages, it aims to enhance coordination across provinces and address issues like overbilling. “It puts the power back in the hands of consumers,” the prime minister added.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz announced the removal of the PTV fee from electricity bills and highlighted efforts to tackle power theft, which he said causes a loss of Rs500 billion annually. He also noted reforms in DISCOs and tough negotiations with IPPs and banks that helped lower household electricity rates.
Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Leghari emphasized that the government is leveraging modern technology to bring reforms. He stated that billions lost to overbilling have been refunded and that the new app gives citizens direct control over meter reading, ending dependency on meter readers.