Islamabad, June 29, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s solar energy transition, calling it the most affordable form of power generation globally.
Addressing the launch ceremony of ‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading’—a smart mobile application developed by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division)—the prime minister said Pakistan is among the few countries witnessing a rapid solarisation boom.
“We welcome this transformation. The government will not discourage solarisation in any way,” he assured.
The newly launched app, available in five regional languages, allows electricity consumers to submit their own meter readings, aiming to enhance transparency, curb overbilling, and foster interprovincial coordination.
Highlighting key budgetary decisions, the prime minister said the federal government had revised the proposed 18% sales tax on imported solar panel components to 10%. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb earlier clarified that this reduced rate applies to only 46% of imported items, resulting in a minimal 4.6% increase in the overall price of solar panels.
PM Shehbaz underscored a series of reforms and relief measures in the power sector, including:
- Merit-based appointments to the boards of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs)
- Crackdown on corruption and overbilling
- Successful negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), leading to a reduction in household electricity tariffs to Rs7.41 per unit
- Engagement with banks to address the circular debt crisis
- Removal of the PTV license fee from electricity bills
He also noted that falling global oil prices were passed on to domestic consumers through regular fortnightly adjustments.
Key challenges: power theft & low consumption
The prime minister identified two major challenges in the energy sector:
- Power theft, which results in losses exceeding Rs500 billion annually
- The imbalance between high electricity generation and declining grid consumption, largely due to increased adoption of solar systems
He said the government is fully aware of these issues and is working on long-term solutions to further reduce power tariffs for both industrial and household consumers.
Speaking at the event, Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said the new mobile app empowers consumers to take charge of their electricity readings, addressing the widespread issue of overbilling. He confirmed that billions of rupees in overcharges have already been reimbursed.
“With this app, the meter reading mechanism is now in the hands of consumers. It’s a major step toward transparency and accountability,” he added.
The launch ceremony was attended by cabinet members, parliamentarians, and senior officials from the energy sector.
