Finance Minister Avoids Clear Answer on Rising Electricity Prices

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb avoided giving a clear answer about electricity prices during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance. He said discussions on electricity subsidies were still ongoing. Therefore, the government has not yet decided whether electricity will become cheaper or more expensive.

During the committee session, lawmakers questioned the government about reports regarding the possible end of electricity subsidies. Earlier, Pakistan had assured the International Monetary Fund that it would introduce a new subsidy system. As a result, concerns about rising power bills increased among consumers.

In response, the finance minister said Energy Minister Awais Leghari and the prime minister were continuously working on the issue. He added that further discussions on electricity subsidies would take place in the coming days. However, he avoided sharing any final policy decision.

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Committee members also directly asked whether electricity prices would rise or fall in the near future. However, Muhammad Aurangzeb again refused to give a definite reply. Instead, he said he could not comment on whether electricity would become cheaper or more expensive at this stage.

Meanwhile, the finance minister spoke about Pakistan’s ongoing talks with the IMF. He said the IMF Executive Board meeting would take place the next day. Furthermore, he stated that Pakistan had achieved its required targets under the financial program.

He also explained that the final loan approval depended on the IMF board’s decision. Meanwhile, uncertainty over electricity prices continues to worry consumers across the country. As discussions continue, many people are still waiting to learn whether electricity prices will rise or finally become cheaper.