Abolishing PTV fee & reducing tariff aimed at providing relief to electricity consumers

KARACHI: Some Pakistani electricity consumers are breathing a sigh of relief as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to scrap the Pakistan Television (PTV) license fee, which is included in monthly electricity bills.

An official announcement is expected soon as the government is expected to provide much-needed relief to electricity consumers and reduce the overall financial burden on households. More details on the implementation of PTV and future funding will be revealed in the prime minister’s upcoming statement.

Until mid-2025, electricity consumers pay a fixed Rs. 35 per month as PTV fee, generating about Rs. 1.5 billion monthly revenue for the state broadcaster. The elimination of this fee will directly reduce electricity bills, providing financial relief to millions of people amid rising electricity tariffs and inflation.

The decision has been warmly welcomed by middle- and low-income households struggling with rising utility costs.

In addition, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved a reduction of Rs 1.50 per unit in the basic electricity tariff for the financial year 2025-26. From July 1, 2025, the tariff will be reduced from Rs 35.50 to Rs 34.00 per unit, benefiting consumers across the country, including Karachi.

Nepra has also approved a revenue requirement of Rs 3.52 trillion for distribution companies, which includes bulk power purchases and financial adjustments.