The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has voiced serious concerns regarding fixed charges in electricity bills and has advised the government to abolish them to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. Senator Kamil Ali Agha proposed the elimination of fixed electricity charges, noting that consumers are compelled to pay substantial amounts regardless of their actual electricity usage.
Consumer Concerns Over Fixed Charges
Committee Chairman Senator Saleem Mandviwalla warned that if fixed charges continue to escalate unchecked, consumers might be forced to disconnect their electricity connections entirely. The committee resolved to summon officials from the Power Division after the conclusion of the budget process to provide justification for these charges and to address consumer grievances.
Review of Finance Bill 2026-27
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, continued its deliberations on the Finance Bill 2026-27 during its fourth consecutive session at Parliament House. The committee examined a wide array of fiscal, trade, industrial, and taxation matters aimed at bolstering economic growth, supporting exports, and addressing public concerns. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the meeting alongside senators, government officials, industry representatives, and stakeholders from various sectors. The session concentrated on key budgetary proposals, economic reforms, and measures designed to promote investment, enhance competitiveness, and ensure sustainable economic development.
Export Promotion and Tax Reforms
The committee reviewed matters related to export promotion and received briefings from representatives of the business community and relevant government departments. Participants discussed proposals intended to facilitate exporters, improve the business environment, and strengthen the country's export sector. After detailed deliberations, the committee recommended including exporters under the Final Tax Regime and further rationalizing the tax framework to support export-led growth and enhance foreign exchange earnings.
Taxation of Educational and Charitable Institutions
The committee also examined taxation measures concerning educational and charitable institutions. Members discussed proposals aimed at supporting educational access and reviewing existing tax exemption mechanisms. Following consultations with relevant authorities, the committee recommended amendments to applicable legal provisions to ensure greater transparency, effectiveness, and alignment with public interest objectives.
National Tariff Policy 2025-2030
Officials briefed the committee on the National Tariff Policy 2025-2030, outlining the government's strategy to enhance industrial competitiveness, facilitate trade, and support long-term economic growth. The policy aims to gradually rationalize tariff structures, streamline duties, and create a more competitive environment for domestic industry while supporting exports and investment. The committee welcomed the policy direction and emphasized the importance of ensuring a balanced and predictable framework for businesses.
Electricity Billing and Regulatory Issues
The committee also reviewed issues related to electricity billing and discussed public concerns regarding fixed charges. Members emphasized the need to safeguard consumer interests while ensuring the sustainability of the energy sector. In light of the discussion, the committee decided to seek a detailed briefing from the relevant authorities in a forthcoming meeting. Furthermore, the meeting reviewed developments concerning vehicle standards, industrial regulations, and commercial vehicle imports. Officials informed the committee about ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve safety standards, and align national practices with international benchmarks. The committee emphasized the importance of facilitating business activity, promoting transparency, and ensuring effective implementation of regulatory policies.
Sectoral Policies and Economic Opportunities
The committee was also briefed on ongoing work related to solar, mobile, auto, and battery sector policies. Officials informed members that efforts are underway to develop comprehensive policy frameworks aimed at encouraging investment, promoting technological advancement, supporting local manufacturing, and creating new economic opportunities. Following detailed deliberations on various proposals and amendments under the Finance Bill 2026-27, the committee made several recommendations aimed at promoting economic growth, facilitating businesses, strengthening industrial competitiveness, and enhancing public welfare.
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue will continue its review of the Finance Bill 2026-27 in subsequent sessions as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring effective legislation, fiscal responsibility, and sustainable economic development.
