— Awais Leghari sets deadline of April 23 to end all forms of electricity theft across Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has given a deadline to the power distribution companies (DISCOs) to end all forms of electricity theft across the country.
In a letter, Awais Leghari communicated a deadline of April 23 to end all forms of electricity theft and tasked all DISCOs’ chairmen and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) with mobilizing their resources effectively to put an end to electricity theft. Additionally, he has instructed Superintendent Engineers, Executive Engineers, Sub-Divisional Officers, and relevant field staff to issue certificates certifying the absence of theft in their respective operational areas to ensure a robust verification process.
Terming the measures so far taken to end power theft as insufficient directed strict action against power theft, Federal Minister for Pow issued instructions for immediate and stringent measures to combat the ongoing issue of electricity theft and to eradicate the illegal practice of electricity theft across Pakistan.
Power Division, in a statement issued on Monday said that under Minister Leghari’s guidance, rigorous efforts are underway to identify and neutralize every avenue used for electricity theft. Any discrepancies or contradictory evidence will be met with swift legal and disciplinary actions against responsible departmental personnel.
According to the power division, recognizing the need for stronger deterrents, Minister Leghari has directed amendments to existing laws to ensure severe penalties for employees found complicit in electricity theft.
Earlier on 6th April ,2024, power division, in a letter to all CEOs of DISCOs informed that all CEOs may obtain certification/verification from their respective SEs, WENs, SDOs, Line-man and concerned staff that there is not theft on meters installed on various tariffs including agricultural, industrial, commercial and residential.
The CEOs shall submit such certification/verification on behalf of their respective field formations to power division at the earliest. Further, all the CEOs may ensure that the said verification/certification is accurate and correct as the same would be cross-checked. In case of any inconsistency or contradictory evidence found on checking, strict disciplinary action including but not limited to dismissal from service, shall be taken against such delinquent/defaulting officers/officials, said power division’s letter to all CEOs of DISCOs dated 6th April, 2024.
Sources in Power Division said that IMF has demanded strict measures to stop power theft and line loss limit of 12percent is fixed for DISCOs while line losses of DISCOs are above 16.7 pc. They said DISCOs have lost approximately Rs 166 billion in line losses during the last financial year. They said three billion rupees are lost annually on one percent line losses. The IMF has demanded strict measures to stop power theft and the government has assured new measures to prevent theft in the power sector to obtain the last installment of the loan, said sources.
The government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against electricity theft underscores its unwavering dedication to ensuring a fair and transparent power distribution system. Minister Leghari has reiterated that performance evaluations will be conducted regularly to maintain a vigilant stance against any lapses or irregularities.
