The power division has embarked on an unprecedented campaign to combatcorruption within its ranks and address the rampant issue of power theft.This initiative, launched by the power division, specifically targetsofficials who have been aiding and abetting power theft among the public.
According to official statements, this operation has already resulted inaction being taken against 1,914 individuals involved in corrupt practices.These include 351 officers from LESCO, 138 officers from GEPCO, 195officers from FESCO, 219 officers from IESCO, 314 officers from MEPCO, and299 officers from PESCO. The scale of this crackdown demonstrates thegovernment’s commitment to rooting out corruption within the power sector.
In addition to targeting corrupt officers, this operation has brought tolight more than 2,199 cases of power theft across various distributioncompanies. FIRs (First Information Reports) have been filed against 1,955individuals, and 21 individuals have been apprehended. These actions mark asignificant step towards curbing power theft and addressing the financialchallenges faced by the power sector.
The urgency of this crackdown became apparent when, on September 6, thecaretaker federal government announced its intention to combat electricitytheft nationwide to mitigate the ever-growing circular debt plaguing thepower sector. With annual losses totaling Rs589 billion among the tendistribution companies in Pakistan, primarily due to electricity theft andunpaid bills, the government is taking proactive measures to resolve thisissue.
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It’s important to note that the soaring power bills have triggeredwidespread protests across the country, from Karachi to Khyber.Demonstrators have demanded an end to free electricity for the elite andrelief from the burdensome bills that often exceed their salaries. Thiscrackdown not only addresses the financial issues within the power sectorbut also aims to bring much-needed relief to the common citizens who havebeen bearing the brunt of the power crisis.
