Islamabad: Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has ruled out any increase in tax on electricity charges, saying no such proposal is under consideration. He was briefing newsmen in Islamabad today on key issues and reforms in the power sector.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister stated that the government is focused on ensuring transparency in the subsidy provided to consumers using less than 200 units of electricity per month. The number of these consumers has exceeded 21.5 million. He emphasized that the government does not plan to end the subsidy for protected consumers. Instead, these consumers are being linked through a QR code system to ensure only deserving individuals receive the subsidy, allowing savings to be redirected to provide relief to other consumers.

Leghari noted that two million people have registered by linking their electricity meters with their CNICs through QR codes provided in their bills. He mentioned that the Power Division's burden on the federal budget has decreased by 457 billion rupees, with its demand reduced from 1,287 billion rupees to 830 billion rupees for the upcoming budget. Additionally, circular debt amounting to 780 billion rupees has been reduced in the power sector.

The Minister clarified that solar energy is not being discouraged but is being streamlined as a significant generation asset. He highlighted that Pakistan is producing 55 percent clean and environmentally friendly energy, with a goal of reaching 90 percent clean energy production by 2035. Dependency on imported fuel, which stood at 2.4 billion dollars in 2025, is projected to decrease to 0.3 billion dollars by 2035.

Leghari also addressed improvements in the power sector's complaint redressal system, noting that out of 6.1 million complaints received this year, 4.6 million were resolved in a timely manner.