Islamabad, July 2, 2025: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has dismissed Pakistan’s proposal to offer subsidized electricity rates to crypto mining, data centers, and selected heavy industries, citing its stance against targeted subsidies.
During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Power, Secretary Power Dr. Fakhray Alam Irfan disclosed that while Pakistan has surplus electricity in winter, the IMF strictly opposes such selective concessions. The proposal is currently under review by the World Bank and other international lenders and has not yet been officially withdrawn.
Lawmakers also raised concerns over the recently approved Rs. 1.275 trillion circular debt settlement deal with commercial banks. Some senators alleged that banks were pressured into the agreement, but the Power Secretary denied any coercion, stating that no additional levies have been imposed under the arrangement.
Meanwhile, Dr. Irfan highlighted efforts to tackle overbilling through the “Apna Meter Apni Reading” mobile app, which has been downloaded by over 500,000 users. The initiative is set to expand to K-Electric (KE) consumers in the coming weeks.
Senators also slammed the Ministry of Power for ongoing load shedding in areas where consumers pay their bills on time. Allegations of bribery by local officials to restore disconnected connections were raised. Dr. Irfan clarified that revenue-based load shedding is enforced only in regions with over 20% power losses.
Read More: Pakistan Railways Increases Ticket Price Again
Currently, 58% of domestic consumers benefit from a subsidized electricity rate of Rs. 10 per unit. The government plans to distribute Rs. 250 billion in power subsidies this fiscal year, subject to donor approval. Additional anti-theft technology will be deployed nationwide to curb losses.
