Measures afoot for privatization of DISCOs: Info Minister

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar says measures are being taken for privatization of DISCOs and checking electricity pilferage. Talking to newsmen in Islamabad today, he said providing relief to the people especially reducing electricity bills remained topmost priority of the PML-N leadership. He said the federal government has given a subsidy of 50 billion rupees to electricity consumers across the country using electricity upto 200 units. He clarified that this amount was deducted from the development budget and given for relief in electricity bills. The Minister said the Punjab government has now allocated 45 billion rupees from its own fund to provide subsidy to electricity consumers using between 201 to50 units. He said these steps should be appreciated and followed rather than criticized. Attaullah Tarar said the federation is doing what it can in the current situation. He mentioned the reduction in prices of petroleum products and inflation rate which has dropped to 11 per cent from 23. The Minister said steps are being taken for a lasting solution to reduce electricity prices. Source: Radio Pakistan