Islamabad, Sep 4: Unlike Punjab, which recently offered a short-term power rescue package, the government of Sindh has revealed a long-term plan to alleviate the ongoing electrical crisis.
Sindh Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah stressed in a statement the province’s dedication to offering long-term solutions to the people, who are facing exorbitant electricity rates.
In contrast to providing short-term relief, Shah said, the Sindh government is concentrating on a holistic strategy.
He disclosed that the province government has initiated the distribution of 200,000 solar panels to inhabitants as part of this project. In addition, another half a million solar panels are supposed to be distributed in the upcoming month.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern over the Punjab government’s intention to offer a two-month electricity subsidy of Rs. 14 per unit.
This announcement follows that decision. In response, the IMF placed additional demands on Pakistan, one of which was to stop Punjab’s subsidy by September 30.
During the current 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, the IMF has also forbidden provincial governments from implementing any additional gas or electricity subsidies.
The ambitious Rs. 700 billion plans by Punjab to provide solar panels to customers who use up to 500 units of power per month is now dubious due to these new constraints.
The August approval of Punjab’s subsidy plan is currently under scrutiny due to heightened IMF negotiations, casting doubt on the plan’s long-term viability.
