PM for accelerated efforts to curb power theft in AJK, Sindh, Quetta

Kakar chairs review meeting, briefed on recovery of Rs14 billion under the campaign until September 30

ISLAMABAD:

Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, during a review meeting on the nationwide anti-power theft campaign, issued directives on Wednesday to intensify efforts in curbing electricity theft in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Sindh, and Quetta.

He emphasised the need to expedite the conversion of agriculture tube-wells to solar energy and requested a comprehensive report detailing challenges encountered in Balochistan and other related matters.

Kakar conveyed to the meeting attendees that it is the caretaker government's duty to establish a robust framework for the incoming democratic government, particularly in the context of initiatives like the anti-power theft campaign.

The prime minister received a briefing on the progress of the campaign since its inception, learning that it had been proceeding effectively through collaboration with provincial governments. Notable achievements included the apprehension of 19,415 individuals involved in power theft and the registration of 39,836 First Information Reports related to power theft since September.

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Furthermore, approximately 189 government officials were suspended due to their involvement in electricity theft.

The gathering was informed that the most significant success in curbing power theft had been observed in Mardan, where the rate of electricity theft dropped from 43 per cent to 13 per cent. The meeting also highlighted the recovery of Rs14 billion under the campaign until September 30.

Prime Minister Kakar commended the remarkable performance of the Energy Ministry, power distribution companies, and relevant federal and provincial authorities for their pivotal role in achieving the campaign's objectives. Additionally, the meeting was updated on the findings of a nationwide analysis aimed at uncovering the root causes of power theft.

The review meeting was attended by interim federal ministers responsible for interior, energy, and information & broadcasting, as well as provincial chief secretaries and relevant federal secretaries.