Govt Finally Abolishes Free Electricity Units for Power Sector Employees

Power Minister Awais Leghari on Friday announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the federal government has formally ended the long-controversial facility of free electricity units for power sector employees following a court-backed decision.

Lahore High Court accepted the government’s petition on behalf of the power minister.

Leghari called the verdict a historic reform in Pakistan’s energy sector.

Leghari wrote that for the first time in the country’s history, free electricity units granted to power sector officials had been abolished under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said the court accepted the Power Division’s petition, paving the way for the termination of the long-standing benefit.

According to the minister, the elimination of free electricity units was one of the oldest and most persistent demands of the public, particularly at a time when ordinary consumers continue to face rising electricity bills. He said the government had been granted the honor of fulfilling this public demand and termed the decision a major step toward fairness and structural reform in the power sector.

Leghari added that the government remains committed to taking every necessary measure aimed at the collective improvement of the country and the nation. He further explained that future energy reforms would continue to focus on transparency, financial discipline, and relief for consumers.

Leghari’s announcement came hours after a big ruling by the Lahore High Court regarding the withdrawal of free electricity units for WAPDA and power sector officers.

Earlier, the court held that the free electricity facility granted to employees cannot be withdrawn unilaterally and such benefits form part of the conditions of employment.

Now the case has been decided in favor of the power minister’s request. “The honorable court has also accepted our petition. This was the oldest and long-standing demand of the people, which Allah Almighty has bestowed upon us the honor of fulfilling,” Leghari added.