In a landmark move toward transparency, digital innovation, and consumer empowerment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched the ‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading’ mobile application, a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize the way electricity billing is handled across Pakistan.
As part of broader reforms in the power sector, this user-friendly app enables consumers to take full control of their electricity usage by allowing them to record and submit their own meter readings. This direct approach aims to eliminate long-standing complaints about overbilling, inaccurate meter readings, and dependency on third-party meter readers, which have often led to disputes and mistrust between citizens and power distribution companies (DISCOs).
Speaking at the launch ceremony, PM Shehbaz Sharif called the app a “revolutionary step” that puts the power literally back in the hands of the people. He emphasized the government’s commitment to using technology to bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to a sector that has long been plagued by inefficiencies and corruption.
The app launch is just one component of a larger reform agenda. PM Shehbaz also highlighted recent efforts to restructure the energy sector including merit-based appointments in DISCOs, crackdowns on systemic corruption, and successful negotiations with independent power producers (IPPs) that resulted in a reduction of Rs7.5 per unit in electricity prices. Furthermore, the decision to remove the Rs35 monthly PTV fee from electricity bills was announced as an immediate relief for consumers.
With the ‘Apna Meter’ app, the government envisions a future where citizens are trusted participants, billing becomes fair and verifiable, and digitization becomes the backbone of public service delivery. This initiative marks a bold step in redefining the relationship between the state and its people, one that’s built on trust, technology, and transparency.
