The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered nine cases and two inquiries against power theft and sale of counterfeit medicines and arrested six suspects. The crackdown has been initiated following the orders of the federal interior minister.
According to an FIA spokesperson, teams conducted raids in Bannu, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan, detected electricity theft and took Syed Rehman, Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Yasin, Waqas Mahmood, Waheedullah and Muhammad Imtiaz into custody.
These individuals were illegally stealing electricity for their shops, schools, clinics, and offices by using Kunda (direct hooking) from the main power line.
Aided by the FIA officials, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) officials promptly disconnected the illicit connections and confiscated the cables and other equipment utilised for the illegal provision of electricity. The national exchequer had been incurring significant financial losses due to electricity theft.
Officials also seized counterfeit medicines and injections from three medical stores and handed over samples to the officials of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) authorities. Further legal action will be taken against medical store owners in light of the DRAP’s report.
The FIA has constituted special raiding teams in all circles to crack down on electricity thieves and sellers of counterfeit medicines.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2024.
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