Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a major relief measure for people in flood-affected regions by directing electricity distribution companies to immediately stop collecting August bills from consumers.

The decision comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to ease the hardships of those impacted by devastating floods.

Immediate relief for flood victims

At a high-level meeting chaired by the PM, electricity bills in flood-hit areas were reviewed. Following the discussions, Shehbaz Sharif instructed all distribution companies to suspend the collection of August bills from affected consumers.

For those who have already paid their August bills, the premier assured that the amount will be adjusted in the next month’s billing cycle.

Final package linked to IMF settlement

Shehbaz also confirmed that a special package for flood-hit areas will be formally announced after Pakistan’s pending matters with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are settled.

He emphasized that both federal and provincial institutions are working tirelessly to ease the suffering of the people. “We will not sit idly by until all the victims are restored,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

Minister welcomes move

Federal Minister for Energy Owais Laghari lauded the PM's decision, calling it timely and people-friendly. He confirmed that the August bills have been waived in all flood-affected areas.

Laghari added that the Power Division will ensure immediate implementation of the directive and that collected amounts will be refunded or adjusted without delay.