Islamabad (TDI): Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has urged all four provinces to clear outstanding electricity bills.
In a letter addressed to provinces’ chief ministers, the minister noted that timely payment of electricity dues was a must for the survival of the energy sector.
“The non-payment of outstanding bills is creating financial burdens on power companies and could disrupt the uninterrupted supply of electricity,” Leghari stated.
Read More: Pakistan Eyes ECO Support for Clean Energy
The minister urged chief ministers to intervene immediately and ensure payment of the outstanding dues.
“The non-payment of pending electricity bills by various provincial departments was further increasing the energy sector’s challenges,” he said.
The Ministry of Energy, on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has launched reforms aimed at improving power companies and providing affordable electricity to consumers.
Read More: PM Sharif Unveils Winter Electricity Relief for Consumers
These reforms include increasing financial resources, reducing electricity theft, and ensuring the timely collection of outstanding electricity bills.
The non-payment of dues not only causes losses to the federal government but also worsens the circular debt crisis.
In his letter, Laghari expressed hope for cooperation from provincial governments to stabilize the energy sector.
