Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a major relief package for industries, including a reduction of Rs4.04 per unit in electricity tariffs, to support businesses and boost exports. He also said that wheeling charges would be kept below Rs9 per unit.
The prime minister made the announcement while addressing a ceremony held in Islamabad to honor leading businessmen and exporters. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, entrepreneurs and exporters were also present.
During the event, awards were given to exporters who made outstanding contributions to the national economy, which the prime minister personally presented.
Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz said future economic policies would be made in consultation with the business community, stressing that export-led growth was the only way forward. He also announced that award-winning traders would be given blue passports as a recognition of their services.
The prime minister further said the government was cutting the export refinance scheme rate from 7.5 percent to 4.5 percent to provide immediate relief and help increase exports. He clarified that the government did not want to run businesses itself and that economic activity should be led by the private sector, while the state’s role was to create a stable and business-friendly environment.
As per the PM’s directive, the power tariff will reduce by Rs 4.04/unit. Financing Cost also cut significantly for Exporters
Since wheeling charge of Rs 12.52/unit includes this Rs 4.04/unit, when this is removed, wheeling charge will also reduce by almost similar amount (if not…
— Khurram Schehzad (@kschehzad) January 30, 2026
Praising exporters, PM Shehbaz said they had worked tirelessly under difficult conditions and still managed to increase Pakistan’s exports in 2025. He recalled that when the government came into power, the country’s economy was in a fragile state and there were serious concerns about default, which the government successfully managed to avert.
He said inflation was gradually declining, the policy rate had come down from 22 percent to around 10.5 percent, and foreign exchange reserves had doubled due to improved economic policies. He added that friendly countries had supported Pakistan during tough times and that the results of difficult decisions were now visible.
The prime minister urged national unity for economic development and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people, especially the poor. He directed the State Bank governor to engage closely with business leaders and said policies would be finalised after proper consultations.
On foreign affairs, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had achieved diplomatic and defence successes and that after Marka-e-Haq, Pakistan’s global standing had improved. He added that international interest in Pakistan had grown and efforts were underway to attract new investment.
