PM for accelerated efforts to curb power theft

Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has issued directives to intensify efforts in curbing electricity theft in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sindh, and Quetta.

During a review meeting on the nationwide anti-power theft campaign on Wednesday, the premier 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 (FIRs) related to power theft since September.

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.

PM Kakar lauded 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 and broadcasting, as well as provincial chief secretaries and relevant federal secretaries.

Earlier last month, the caretaker government announced launching a data-based countrywide crackdown on electricity theft and low recoveries, together causing an estimated annual loss of Rs589 billion.

The action had come following nationwide protests against inflated bills and was to also include the removal of corrupt officers across the distribution formations and depoliticisation of the management and boards of distribution companies (Discos).

Subsequently, hundreds were arrested and several illegal electricity connections incurring losses on the nation’s power grid were severed. With the crackdown on electricity theft getting tougher nationwide, the caretaker administration on September 15 claimed to have detained close to 500 people and recovered more than Rs950 million from power thieves.

According to secretary of the Power Division, the total amount recovered increased from Rs14 million on Sept 7 to Rs951 million on Sept 14.