Punjab Cabinet Sanctions Reduced Electricity Bills for Punjab, Islamabad Residents

News 30 Aug 2024 258 Views

On Thursday, the Punjab cabinet approved a two-month relief on electricity bills for residents of Punjab and Islamabad who consume up to 500 power units. This decision aims to provide much-needed financial relief to households during the challenging economic times.

The Punjab Cabinet has approved significant relief in electricity bills for the residents of Punjab and Islamabad. The approval was granted during the 14th meeting of the provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, held in Lahore today.

Relief in Electricity Bills

Addressing the cabinet, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that a relief package worth Rs 46 billion has been approved to ease the burden of electricity bills on consumers. This initiative is in line with the vision of PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and is a response to the economic challenges faced by the public. The relief will provide a reduction of Rs 14 per unit in electricity bills for domestic consumers who use between 200 and 500 units in the months of August and September.

Solar Panel Program Announced

In addition to the immediate relief, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also revealed plans to launch a solar panel program aimed at providing sustainable energy solutions and further reducing electricity bills by the next summer. Work on this initiative has already begun, reflecting the government’s commitment to long-term energy solutions.

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A Significant Step in Support of the People

The cabinet ministers praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her leadership in providing this much-needed relief. They commended her historic step in addressing the economic difficulties of the people and also paid tribute to Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for his vision. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was also thanked for his support in implementing this relief package.

Transparency and Anti-Corruption Measures

During the meeting, the cabinet approved various other measures, including Punjab’s first comprehensive Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan 2024. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb briefed the cabinet on the plan, which includes policies on flood management, ecosystem infrastructure, food security, and more.

Furthermore, the cabinet lauded Minister for Construction and Communications Soheib Malik and Secretary Sohail Ashraf for saving Rs 10 billion through e-tendering of construction projects. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of transparency and the fight against corruption, stating, “Transparency is a hallmark of the PML-N government.”

Additional Approvals by the Cabinet

The Punjab cabinet also made several other important decisions, including:

Approval of the formation of the Punjab Zakat and Ushar Council.
Dissolution of the existing Punjab Bait-ul-Mal Council under the Punjab Bait-ul-Mal Act 1991 and establishment of a new Bait-ul-Mal Council.
Leasing of government land to Al Shifa Hospital for eye treatment in Lahore.
Approval of the Punjab Public Service Commission Annual Report for 2023.
Approval of the Annual Audit Report 2023-24 of Public Sector Enterprises of Punjab Government.
Approval of the Special Audit Report of Accounts of Punjab Government and District Governments for the years 2016-17, 2021-22, and 2022-23.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, special assistants, the Chief Secretary, the Inspector General of Police, secretaries, and other concerned officers.