Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif Slashes Rs4 Industrial Tariff, Halves EFS Rate
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a major set of economic steps meant to support Pakistan’s industries and strengthen export-led growth. At a ceremony in Islamabad, he revealed several decisions that business leaders across the country had been waiting for. The headline development came with electricity tariffs for industries being reduced by Rs4.04 per unit.
The government also lowered wheeling charges to Rs9 per unit, allowing industries to sell extra power to nearby units at a more affordable cost. Along with this, the Export Financing Scheme rate has been brought down from 7.5% to 4.5%. Many analysts described these changes as a Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif had introduced at a critical moment for the economy.
The Prime Minister addressed a gathering that included Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, top exporters, and leading business personalities of Pakistan. During his speech, he said he wished he could have reduced electricity prices even further.
“If it were up to me, I would have reduced it by another Rs10, but my hands are tied,” he said. This statement was seen by many as another Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif made to show his commitment to easing industrial pressure.
Along with economic reforms, the ceremony also featured awards for the best-performing businessmen and exporters of 2024 and 2025. These individuals will serve as “ambassadors at large,” a symbolic way to involve them in promoting Pakistan’s economic interests abroad.
Many business leaders described this recognition as yet another Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif made to motivate the corporate sector.
His comments reflected the broader theme of the day: another Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif aimed at shifting the economy toward stability and growth.
The Prime Minister also urged investors to direct more capital toward Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). According to him, SMEs have the potential to create jobs, support innovation, and help increase export volumes.
He assured the business community that their suggestions would be taken seriously, mentioning that many of their proposals had already been implemented, saving the government billions of rupees. He framed this cooperation between government and industry as a Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif is trying to sustain.
Restoring Confidence
Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan also addressed the event. He echoed the Prime Minister’s message and said that the country is slowly moving out of economic trouble. Exporters, he explained, are beginning to feel more confident in the government’s policies. According to him, the latest decisions represent a Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif and show a clear direction toward an export-led economic model.
He further added that Pakistan’s economic environment had improved compared to the past few years. In his view, the combination of tariff reductions, financing incentives, and policy consistency would give industries room to grow. Many business leaders present at the ceremony agreed, saying this was another Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif made at the right time.
Data from the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) reveals that electricity consumption surged by 22%, mainly due to higher usage in industrial and agricultural sectors. Industrial power usage rose from 2 billion units in December 2024 to 2.4 billion units in December 2025.
At a NEPRA hearing on Thursday, industrial representatives strongly criticised the proposed increase. They argued that electricity prices were already high and that any further adjustment would weaken the competitiveness of local industries. One representative said that instead of offering relief, “a hidden increase is being imposed,” adding that industries were struggling to survive under the current tariff structure. Their concerns contrasted with what many had earlier called a Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif, showing that challenges still remain.
Seasonal Impact and Future Relief
Power sector officials responded by explaining that the FCA is expected to rise in the short term because hydel generation drops significantly during winter. With less water flowing through dams, expensive fuel-based power plants generate more electricity, pushing up costs. They noted that quarterly adjustments, however, are expected to fall in the coming months, which may bring some relief to consumers. Even with these challenges, the government’s supporters maintain that the recent decisions still qualify as a Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif.
Industry analysts believe that the tariff reduction of Rs4.04 per unit could help factories reduce production costs at a time when global competition is tight. Lower wheeling charges will also allow industrial units to exchange electricity more freely, encouraging efficiency and lowering waste. Many see this flexibility as another Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif meant to modernize Pakistan’s outdated power distribution structure.
Looking Ahead
For many business leaders, the biggest takeaway is that the government has signaled a clearer direction for the economy. Pakistan’s industrial sector has been struggling with expensive electricity, limited financing options, and unpredictable policies for years. By reducing tariffs and cutting financing rates, the government has taken what many describe as a Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif has delivered to restore confidence.
Still, challenges remain. The temporary rise in FCA, fluctuations in hydel production, and global market uncertainty could limit the impact of these measures. However, business leaders remain cautiously optimistic. Many believe that if the government continues making decisions similar to this Powerful Move Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan may finally move toward long-term industrial stability.
