Electricity subsidy 200 units policy confirmed to continue as Power Minister Leghari announces QR code reforms and rejects reports of benefit withdrawal
Pakistan’s Power Minister moved quickly to kill a growing rumour. Federal Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari rejected reports that the government plans to end electricity subsidies for protected consumers. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday, he confirmed that the electricity subsidy 200 units policy remains fully intact. Moreover, he said the number of consumers using less than 200 units and receiving subsidies has now crossed 20 million.
Leghari also ruled out any increase in taxes on electricity bills. He called reports suggesting otherwise incorrect. Furthermore, he confirmed that eligible consumers would continue receiving subsidies without interruption through a new QR code-based verification system. Therefore, the delivery mechanism is changing, but the benefit itself is not going anywhere.
The QR code system sits at the centre of the government’s reform push. Authorities are compiling consumer data through the registration process to ensure subsidies reach deserving users. Furthermore, subsidy beneficiaries must provide their details to complete registration. The minister noted that the number of electricity subsidy recipients has grown from 9.5 million to 21.5 million over the past four years. Currently, around 29.57 million domestic consumers — 86 percent of total domestic users — receive subsidies.
Power sector reforms also came under discussion. Leghari said renegotiated agreements with independent power producers saved Rs. 3.5 trillion. Reductions in distribution company losses added another Rs. 193 billion in savings. Furthermore, circular debt fell by Rs. 780 billion during fiscal year 2024-25. Therefore, the minister framed the broader reform programme as one delivering real financial results.
On solar energy, Leghari rejected claims that the government was discouraging its adoption. He confirmed that net metering has not been abolished. Only billing procedures changed. Additionally, the government removed licensing requirements for solar projects of 25kW and below and simplified regulatory approvals for smaller installations. Finally, 90 percent of domestic consumers will face no impact from the revised net billing policy, according to the minister.
