Govt won’t discourage solarisation boom: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on said the government would not discourage the solarisation [solar energy] boom in the country as he welcomed the ongoing process, which is regarded as the most inexpensive way of producing electricity in the world.

SOLARISATION AMID GST

The latest remarks came after the government initially proposed an 18 per cent GST on imported solar panels in the next fiscal year budget.

However, public backlash and resistance from the political parties in the parliament forced the coalition government to reduce the GST rate to 10 per cent, as it could not afford losing their support to get the budget passed.

Meanwhile, the move hasn’t satisfied the people as they believe their shouldn’t be any GST because it will raise the solar panel prices with effect from July at a time when the world is moving towards clean energy.

One can’t forget the fact that Pakistan is one of the vulnerable countries amid the climate change.  

APNA METER, APNI READING    

Addressing a launching ceremony of ‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading’, a power smart mobile application, the prime minister said Pakistan was among the few countries where the solarisation process was rapidly taking place.

Referring to vital reforms in the power sectors, the prime minister termed the launch of the mobile app as a revolutionary reform step, which would benefit the consumers.

Its introduction in five languages would improve the provincial coordination and harmony among the provinces, he added.

Shehbaz said the government was taking effective steps against corrupt mafia. For reduction in power prices, a task force and the minister concerned had really worked hard.

The prime minister referred to negotiations held with the Pakistani IPPs to bring down power tariff terming it ‘hard negotiations and a difficult phase’.

At the same time, they also held negotiations with the banks to settle down the circular debt issue, which was a big achievement, he added.

The prime minister also announced to end PTV fee charged from the power consumers in their monthly bills.

HIGH PRODUCTION, LESS CONSUMPTION

He also identified two challenges in the power sector, including power theft amounting to Rs500 billion and the difference between the high production and less consumption of electricity due to solarisation in the country.

He said that they were fully cognizant of these challenges and were exploring ways to take the country on the path of progress, besides ensuring to further reduce the power tariff for the industrial or household consumers.