Pakistan’s federal government has officially abolished the long-standing provision of free electricity units for employees in the power sector, following a decision by the Lahore High Court that supported the Power Division’s petition.
Federal Minister for Energy, Awais Leghari, welcomed the ruling in a message posted on X, describing the move as a historic reform under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said the decision marked the first time in the country’s history that the controversial benefit had been withdrawn for power sector staff.
Leghari stated that ending the free electricity units had been a long-standing public demand, as many consumers had questioned why employees of the sector continued to receive complimentary power while ordinary citizens faced rising electricity bills. He added that the government would continue to introduce reforms aimed at improving fairness and financial discipline in the energy sector.
The Lahore High Court ruled that the government’s decision was lawful and reasonable, saying the withdrawal of the benefit was part of a policy reform intended to improve the financial sustainability of the country’s power system.
The decision is being seen as a significant step in Pakistan’s broader efforts to reform the struggling power sector and reduce the burden on the national exchequer.
