Shehbaz Sharif announced the waiver of electricity bills for domestic consumers for the month of August in flood-affected areas

Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced the waiver of electricity bills for domestic consumers for the month of August in flood-affected areas, and the deferment of bill collection from agricultural, commercial, and industrial consumers, while reiterating his commitment to the complete rehabilitation of flood victims. He said that the recent rains and floods have caused widespread devastation across the country, and the government fully understands the hardships faced by the affected people. He assured that in this difficult time, the federal government will cover the cost of electricity bills from its own resources.

Announcing the relief package for flood victims on Sunday, the Prime Minister said that apart from the tragic loss of lives, livestock, livelihoods, and homes have suffered immense damage due to the recent rains and floods. He added that the federal and provincial governments, the people, and the armed forces are collectively carrying out rescue and relief operations in the affected areas, ensuring the provision of food items and health facilities.

The Prime Minister stated that in this context, a decision has been made to waive the electricity bills of domestic consumers in flood-hit areas for the month of August. He clarified that domestic consumers will no longer have to pay their August bills, as the federal government will bear this cost from its own resources. “This is the right of the flood victims, not a favor upon them,” he emphasized.

He further said that those domestic consumers in the affected areas who have already paid their August bills will be reimbursed in their next month’s electricity bill, for which clear instructions have been issued. Similarly, a detailed assessment of losses incurred by agricultural, commercial, and industrial consumers is being carried out. Their August bills have been deferred, and if the damage is found to be more severe, additional relief measures will be introduced. The Prime Minister added that necessary instructions have already been issued to the relevant electricity distribution companies in this regard.

Highlighting the destruction in the flood-affected areas, he said, “Our elders, mothers, sisters, and daughters are facing severe hardships under the open sky, and we are fully aware of their plight. This initiative will help reduce the difficulties of the flood victims.”

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his resolve that helping the flood-affected is a national duty. “I once again pledge the complete rehabilitation of all flood victims, and I assure them that we will not rest until every affected person is resettled in their home.”

He concluded with a prayer: “May Allah Almighty grant us the strength to fulfill this responsibility and be the protector and supporter of us