Recent revelations indicate that over 200,000 current and former employees of Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy benefit from free electricity, consuming approximately 441.5 million units annually. This perk is extended to staff across various entities, including distribution companies (Discos), the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), and the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda).
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The breakdown of this consumption shows that active employees utilize around 308.2 million units, while retired personnel account for 133.2 million units.
Critics argue that such benefits are untenable, especially given the nation’s ongoing energy crisis and the financial strain on the power sector. The annual cost of these free units is estimated to be around Rs22 billion, a burden ultimately shouldered by the general public through increased tariffs and taxes.
In response to mounting public pressure, the government is contemplating the termination of free electricity provisions for government officials and agencies. This proposal encompasses bureaucrats, judges, and parliamentarians, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on the power sector.
Despite these discussions, the Power Division has defended the free electricity policy, asserting that it is a taxable component of the employees’ compensation packages. They emphasize that the financial impact of these benefits is already accounted for within the operational costs of the respective organizations.
As the debate continues, there is a growing call for a comprehensive review of such perks to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and to address the financial challenges facing Pakistan’s energy sector.
