Busted: 216 power pilferers arrested in city

Pesco chief says drive against illegal connections will persist

PESHAWAR: At least 216 power pilferers were taken into custody in the city by surveillance teams.

The crackdown was carried out on the directives of Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) Chief Executive Officer Anwarul Haq Yousafzai. According to a handout issued by the power utility on Monday, 52 power pilferers were caught in Khyber Circle in Thall and Hangu subdivisions. Similarly, five people were arrested in Bakhshali subdivision, eight in Rustam, 35 in Gadoon subdivision and 16 power pilferers were apprehended in City and Cantt subdivisions.

In addition, 100 power pilferers were also nabbed in Madyan, Batkhela and Matta subdivisions.

“The drive against the illegal use of electricity will continue till the menace is eradicated completely,” the handout cited the Pesco chief as saying. Yousafzai warned people to stop stealing electricity in the larger interest of the country as Pesco is facing huge financial and line losses which triggered power breakdowns.

Meanwhile, due to maintenance work, power supply from Wah Grid Station will remain suspended on August 2, 3, and 4 from 6am to 1pm. As a result, consumers of Haripur and Havelian are likely to be inconvenienced.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2016.