Islamabad, March 28, 2024 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led a high-level meeting on Thursday to address the pervasive issue of electricity theft plaguing the nation. Directing immediate action, he demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in abetting the crime, stressing the critical need to curb losses amounting to billions of dollars.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the urgent necessity of establishing a stable system by implementing measures such as launching an aggressive campaign to halt electricity theft. He underscored the detrimental impact of the current state of the economy on bearing the burden of rampant power theft.
Key decisions emerged from the meeting, including the formulation of a strategy to reduce line losses and upgrade transmission lines. Prime Minister Shehbaz also advocated for the privatization of generation companies to alleviate the burden on the national exchequer. Additionally, he called for the presentation of a comprehensive plan for the solarization of tubewells in Balochistan.
To address the issue at a grassroots level, it was decided to install smart meters on transformers under the public sector development program. Feeder monitors would be deployed to identify and rectify areas causing substantial losses.
Highlighting recent legislative measures, Prime Minister Shehbaz noted the amendment to section 462(O) of the Pakistan Penal Code, making electricity theft a cognizable offense. He lauded the success of the anti-theft campaign launched in September of the previous year, which resulted in a significant decrease in electricity theft and the recovery of Rs 57 billion.
The campaign, characterized by a whole-of-government approach, led to the apprehension of thousands involved in electricity theft across various provinces. Notably, personnel from distribution companies were held accountable for poor performance or complicity, with 350 individuals suspended during the crackdown.
Task forces established at district and division levels were commended for their efforts in combating electricity theft. Prime Minister Shehbaz announced incentives for these task forces, allocating part of the recovery amount to reward their outstanding performance.
The high-level meeting was attended by several federal ministers, including Awais Ahmed Leghari, Ahad Cheema, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Attaullah Tarar, and Musadiq Malik, alongside relevant officers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the pervasive issue of electricity theft and ensuring accountability at all levels. With comprehensive strategies and legislative amendments in place, Pakistan aims to achieve sustainable progress in its efforts to safeguard its energy resources and promote economic stability.
