Govt Moves to Abolish PTV Fee From Electricity Bills
In a major relief for millions of electricity consumers across Pakistan, the federal government has decided to abolish the longstanding Pakistan Television (PTV) license fee collected through electricity bills. The move comes alongside a proposed reduction in the base electricity tariff, signaling a broader effort to alleviate financial pressure on households amid ongoing economic challenges.
Currently, a Rs35 fee is levied on electricity consumers under various billing categories, generating around Rs1.5 billion in monthly revenue for the state-run broadcaster. With over 40 million electricity users nationwide, the removal of this fee is expected to provide direct financial relief to a significant portion of the population. An official notification confirming the decision is anticipated in the coming days.
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In a separate but complementary move, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a Rs1.50 per unit reduction in the base electricity tariff. The revised average tariff for power distribution companies will be Rs34 per unit, pending final approval and notification by the federal government.
NEPRA has forwarded the decision to the Ministry of Energy, where discussions are underway regarding the subsidy structure required to implement the new tariff. The notification will be issued once those subsidy allocations are finalized.
The combined measures—the elimination of the PTV license fee and the reduction in electricity tariffs—are part of a coordinated government strategy to reduce the cost of living amid persistent inflation and rising energy expenses. Policymakers have acknowledged growing public concern over electricity pricing and are aiming to implement targeted relief without disrupting fiscal sustainability.
Officials have indicated that further reforms in the power and media sectors may follow, as the government seeks to streamline costs while ensuring service delivery remains effective.
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