The federal government has decided to provide substantial relief in electricity bills for flood victims, alongside a dedicated farmers’ package to offset damage to crops and livestock caused by recent floods.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain confirmed that the government is working to eliminate several charges for flood-affected households.
These measures may include the removal of general sales tax, FC surcharge, fixed charges on electricity bills, and proposals to waive fuel price adjustment taxes, income tax, additional and surplus taxes, and retailer sales tax.
The minister also emphasized that the provincial government will waive land revenue, and special attention will be given to correcting additional electricity bills already issued in flood-hit areas.
Farmers package to compensate losses
In addition to electricity relief, the government announced a farmers’ package aimed at compensating losses of crops and animals due to flooding.
Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that a survey of flood-affected areas will be completed within 10 days, and initial data on crop damage has already been compiled.
Rice emerged as the most affected crop, particularly in the Gujranwala division, where up to 18 percent of crops suffered damage. Overall, damage to other crops ranged between one to three percent.
