Islamabad, June 29, 2025 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has officially announced the removal of the longstanding Pakistan Television (PTV) fee from electricity bills, offering financial relief to millions of consumers across the country.
The prime minister emphasized that this move reflects the government’s commitment to ease the burden on the public and reform the energy sector.
While addressing the launch ceremony of the new mobile application ‘Apna Meter; Apni Reading’, developed by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), the prime minister hailed it as a revolutionary step toward transparency and consumer empowerment. The app, available in five regional languages, enables consumers to monitor their electricity usage and submit their own meter readings, reducing chances of overbilling.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan remains one of the few countries where solarization is accelerating at a rapid pace. He assured the nation that his government would not stifle the solar energy boom, acknowledging it as the most affordable and sustainable method of electricity generation. The increasing shift toward solar energy, he noted, has significantly reduced the reliance on conventional electricity sources and enabled cost-effective alternatives for households and industries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted a string of reforms implemented over the past year in the Ministry of Energy. Merit-based appointments in Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and stern action against corrupt elements have improved governance in the power sector. He also referenced the tough but successful negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) that led to a reduction in per-unit electricity cost to Rs7.41, a significant win for household consumers.
The prime minister acknowledged two major challenges: electricity theft amounting to Rs500 billion annually and the disparity between high electricity production and reduced consumption due to the widespread adoption of solar systems. Despite these issues, the prime minister reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to further cut power tariffs and make electricity more affordable for all.
Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Leghari, also present at the event, explained that the new app aims to eliminate overbilling by transferring meter reading responsibilities directly to consumers. He confirmed that billions of rupees in unjust overcharges have already been reimbursed.
This bold announcement by the prime minister marks another milestone in transforming Pakistan’s electricity landscape with technology, consumer inclusion, and transparency.