ISLAMABAD, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced a three-year subsidized electricity package for the industrial and agricultural sectors, calling it a "gift for national development," according to the Prime Minister's Office.
Under the package, industries and farmers will be provided additional electricity from November 2025 to October 2028 at a concessional rate of 22.98 rupees (0.081 U.S. dollars) per unit, compared with the existing 34 rupees for industry and 38 rupees for agriculture, the office said in a statement.
Sharif said the package would help boost production, enhance competitiveness, and create employment opportunities, noting that its cost would not be borne by domestic consumers or other sectors.
Highlighting the success of last winter's electricity package, which led to the use of an additional 410 gigawatt-hours by industries and farms, Sharif said the initiative contributed to increased exports and revived economic activity.
"The journey from economic crisis to stability has been difficult, but through the hard work of the economic team and your cooperation, it has become possible," the prime minister said, adding that improving regional competitiveness and ease of doing business remain key government priorities.
He expressed confidence that with continued reforms, improved indicators, and cooperation from the private sector, Pakistan would achieve economic self-reliance in the near future. ■
