Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has written letters to the Chief Ministers of all four provinces, urging them to clear the outstanding electricity bills, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Friday.
In the letter, the Chief Ministers were requested to ensure the immediate payment of electricity arrears. Leghari appealed for prompt intervention, warning that delays in settling these dues could disrupt the uninterrupted supply of electricity.
Leghari stated in his letter that the Ministry of Energy, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has initiated reforms to improve power companies and provide affordable electricity to consumers. These reforms emphasise enhancing financial resources, eliminating electricity theft, and collecting overdue bills from consumers.
The letter highlighted that outstanding electricity bills are hindering the ongoing reforms in the energy sector. Leghari pointed out that various provincial departments are neglecting to pay their electricity bills, which is increasing the financial burden on power companies and posing challenges to maintaining an uninterrupted electricity supply.
He further noted that the non-payment of dues is not only causing losses to the federal government but is also exacerbating the circular debt crisis.
Leghari expressed hope that the provincial governments would cooperate with the federal government to ensure stability in the energy sector.
Reporter: Awais Kiyani