The government of Pakistan has introduced a QR code mechanism on electricity bills to streamline subsidy access for low-income and eligible households across the country.
According to media report, the government has launched a new digital system that uses QR codes printed directly on electricity bills to distribute consumer subsidies.
Households consuming up to 200 units of electricity per month are now eligible to access subsidised benefits through this fully digital registration process.
The initiative has been introduced under the federal Cross-Subsidy Program 2026, which seeks to improve transparency and reduce misuse of subsidy allocations nationwide.
How the System Works
Consumers can scan the QR code on their electricity bill, which redirects them to an official government portal for completing their subsidy registration.
The registration process requires users to enter a 14-digit reference number along with their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) details for identity verification purposes.
Verification is finalised through a one-time password, allowing eligible users to complete the entire subsidy registration process without visiting any government office physically.
Who Qualifies for the Subsidy
The subsidy primarily covers beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support (BISP) Programme, daily wage workers, and households consuming fewer than 200 electricity units monthly.
Officials from the Power Division stated the initiative is designed to prevent individuals from claiming subsidies through multiple electricity meters within a single household.
The objective, according to the department, is to ensure that benefits reach genuinely deserving and low-income consumers rather than unintended beneficiaries claiming relief.
Registration Requirements
Authorities have advised consumers to ensure the name on their electricity bill matches their Computerised National Identity Card information to avoid registration complications.
For those without access to smartphones, the government has established facilitation desks at district administration offices and union councils to provide assistance.
These facilitation centres are intended to help consumers complete their subsidy registration with support from government staff available at designated local offices.
Alternative Registration Option
Users are also provided an option to register directly through the official Cross-Subsidy Program portal by manually entering their details without scanning any QR code.
This alternative method has been made available for cases where QR scanning is not possible due to technical limitations or lack of digital access.
Authorities have stated the system is intended to improve efficiency, transparency, and the targeted delivery of relief to households that genuinely qualify for it.
