IMF has not contacted Punjab govt over electricity subsidy: Azma Bukhari

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari on Wednesday stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has not reached out Punjab government regarding any relief on electricity bills.

Speaking on “Faisla Aap Ka” with Asma Shirazi, Bukhari noted that for those who have received relief on their electricity bills, it is a significant matter.

She further explained that the IMF is not opposed to targeted subsidies. The relief provided by the Punjab government is a form of targeted subsidy, similar to the Benazir Income Support Programme.

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Media reports indicate that the IMF has imposed three new conditions on Pakistan following the Punjab Government’s decision to provide a Rs14 per unit electricity subsidy for two months.

According to the media reports, the IMF has demanded that this temporary subsidy be terminated by September 30. Additionally, it has made it clear that no provincial government will be permitted to introduce any new subsidies for electricity or gas throughout the 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program.