ISLAMABAD: In a big relief for solar panel users, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stopped yet another attempt to cut the buyback rates for net-metering in Pakistan.
According to senior Power Division officials, the ministry had been preparing a media campaign with the Information Ministry to convince the public about slashing rates, but the Prime Minister’s Office ordered an immediate halt.
“This is the third time the government has backed off,” the official admitted.
Earlier proposals, which suggested reducing the buyback price from Rs. 27 per unit to Rs. 11.33 per unit and extending the payback period for solar investment to 2–3 years, faced massive backlash and were rejected by the federal cabinet.
For now, solar net-metering users will continue to enjoy the current rates, keeping the investment more viable for households and businesses.