Govt Announces Major Relief for Flood Victims in Electricity Bills

The federal government has decided to provide significant relief to flood-affected individuals by waiving taxes on electricity bills. Additionally, a special package for farmers to compensate for crop and livestock losses is in the works, according to Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain. Speaking to the media, Rana Tanveer stated that taxes on electricity bills for flood victims will be immediately waived. The government is working on removing general sales tax (GST), fixed charges, and fuel price adjustment taxes from electricity bills in flood-affected areas. Proposals are also under consideration to eliminate excise duty, income tax, retailer sales tax, and other additional charges on these bills. “The federal government will provide relief on electricity bills, while provincial governments will waive land revenue taxes,” said Rana Tanveer. He also assured that any excessive electricity bills already printed for flood-affected areas will be reviewed and addressed. The minister announced that a comprehensive farmer relief package will be introduced once surveys of flood-affected areas are completed. These surveys, expected to conclude within 7-10 days, will provide detailed data on crop and livestock losses. Preliminary data indicate that crops in flood-hit areas have suffered losses ranging from 1% to 3%. The most significant damage has been reported in the Gujranwala division, where up to 18% of crops have been destroyed. Rice crops have been the hardest hit during the floods, according to Rana Tanveer. Rana Tanveer emphasized the government’s commitment to doing everything possible to support flood victims. “We will provide maximum relief to those affected by the floods,” he said.