KP CM Gandapur Writes to Federal Energy Minister Over Electricity Duty

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has written a letter to Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari, objecting to the abolition of electricity duty without consulting the province.

In his letter, CM Gandapur stated that the federal government did not seek input from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before scrapping the electricity duty. He emphasized that the province has the constitutional right to impose taxes on electricity and that power distribution companies are legally required to collect and deposit this duty.

The letter further noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has the authority to issue directives on metering, billing, and electricity theft. The Chief Minister argued that abolishing the electricity duty without approval from the Council of Common Interests (CCI) is illegal. Under Article 279, all taxes remain valid until they are officially repealed.

CM Gandapur also said that companies like PESCO, TESCO, and Hazara Electric Supply Company must follow Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s laws. Only licensed distribution companies are authorized to collect electricity duty, and it cannot be replaced by alternative tax mechanisms.

He urged the Power Division to reconsider its decision, warning that a unilateral move could cause friction between the federal government and the province. However, he added that KP is open to negotiations within constitutional limits.