IMF ‘rejects’ Pakistan’s relief plan on electricity bills

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly barred Pakistan from providing relief to electricity consumers who use more than 200 units per month.

According to sources, the IMF stated in Pakistan's relief plan, "Circular debt will not be reduced if electricity bills are reduced."

Only users who have used less than 200 units for six months will be eligible for bill payment reduction.

According to the sources, the assistance would be canceled if a consumer's bill exceeds 200 units in six months.

Earlier, Caretaker Energy and Petroleum Minister Muhammad Ali said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had not rejected the request for higher subsidies in power pricing as the administration dealt with demonstrations over inflated electricity bills.

The interim minister stated on the ARY News show 'Khabar' that the government exchanges data on electricity bills with the global lender on a daily basis.

The minister stated that the government will need to raise funds to postpone the August electricity bill. "If the government acquires money and postpones the bill, it will also have to pay the losses," he added.