Minister Nasir Hussain Shah asserts PPP’s commitment to keeping solar power tax-free
Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah announced on Friday that the Sindh government plans to establish solar parks to contribute electricity to the national grid. This initiative aims to provide up to 100 units of free electricity to consumers in the province. Shah emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is committed to preventing taxes on solar power.
Speaking at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Shah reassured that the government would take into account the energy suggestions from the business community. He mentioned that the government has raised concerns about load-shedding and overbilling with the Ministry of Energy and has demanded on platforms such as the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and the National Economic Council (NEC) that no taxes be imposed on solar power.
Shah elaborated on the government’s plans, stating, “We are developing a program to provide up to 100 units of free electricity. The electricity generated from these solar parks will be integrated into the national grid. We have instructed power companies to ensure that up to 100 units of electricity are provided free of charge. The PPP’s stance is clear: imposing taxes on solar power is unacceptable, and we have reiterated this position in the Senate.”
He highlighted that 600 acres each in Karachi’s Malir and West districts have been allocated for solar parks, with another site being developed in Jamshoro. “Solar power is a highly successful model, with three programs already in progress. We invite further collaboration with the government on this model,” Shah added.
The minister noted that Sindh supplies the cheapest electricity to the national grid, particularly from Thar coal, at a cost of 5.50 rupees per unit. “Our second project offers electricity at 15 rupees per unit, while the national average cost of production is 60 rupees per unit. The constitution grants provinces the first right to this power,” Shah explained. He also mentioned the initiation of projects in three additional blocks, with the potential to develop 100 power plants in Thar.
