Energy Minister gives deadline to end power theft

Islamabad: The Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmed Khan Laghari has given a deadline of April 23 to end all types of electricity theft.

The Minister of Energy issued instructions to the chairman and CEOs of all Distribution Company (DISCOs) to eliminate electricity theft.

According to the announcement issued by the Power Division, the Federal Minister of Electricity has directed strict action against power theft, describing it as insufficient.

Federal Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari stated that the data is not consistent with the data of the actual losses of electricity theft.

He added that the SEs, Axins and Sub Divisional Officer (SDOs) of all DISCOs will have to give certificates of non-theft in their areas to the concerned field staff, all the Chief Executive Officers will check these certificates and submit them to the Ministry.

The energy minister said that performance will be reviewed on a weekly basis and no lapses will be tolerated. Legal and disciplinary action will be taken against the officials of the department on non-compliance or conflicting evidence.

Awais Leghari continued to say that the laws will be amended to severely punish the officials involved in electricity theft, there will be amendments in the laws preventing dismissal.