Govt Readies Plan to Remove PTV Fee From Electricity Bills
- Sara Habib
- April 7, 2025
- 10:15 am
- 36
- Current Affairs
The federal government is now working on the PTV surcharge removal plan. This will end the Rs. 35 monthly fee charged through electricity bills. The charge is collected for the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV).
At present, all electricity users pay this fee—households, businesses, and industries. But now, the government wants to change that.
Why the Surcharge Exists
PTV is a state-run TV network. It has nine channels and more than 6,000 workers. To fund its operations, PTV collects money from the public. One way is through the electricity bill fee.
Currently, about 42.6 million consumers pay this fee. This brings in around Rs. 1.5 billion each month. That is a large amount taken from everyday citizens.
What’s Changing Now
The new plan proposes ending this monthly surcharge. A formal proposal is already ready. It will soon be presented to the Prime Minister.
If approved, the surcharge will be completely removed. This step is meant to reduce costs for the people. Many feel this fee is unjustified in today’s time.
A Shift in Funding
The plan shows a change in thinking. The government may now fund PTV differently. Public money may no longer be the main source.
This could also push PTV to explore other income options. Advertising or private partnerships might become new funding ways.
Support from Authorities
Officials say the move is part of a wider plan. They want to stop outdated charges in electricity bills. Some fees no longer make sense today. The goal is to ease the burden on citizens and promote fairness.
For updates on public policy and reforms, you can visit Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
