Pindi gets tough on water theft

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has launched a sweeping crackdown across the city against water theft, illegal connections, and bill defaulters.

Acting on the special directives of WASA Rawalpindi's Managing Director, Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, the agency has commenced targeted operations to recover outstanding dues.

Senior Special Magistrate WASA, Amir Ashfaq Qureshi, has issued arrest warrants for five defaulters, including a woman. Authorities have resolved that all major defaulters will be taken into custody, and habitual offenders will be brought firmly within the ambit of the law.

The Managing Director declared that no leniency will be extended to defaulters or water thieves, stressing that full recovery of water bills will be ensured within the current financial year. Illegal connections will be severed and fines imposed. He further clarified that there is no water shortage in the city, as ample reserves remain available, and any faulty tube wells will be repaired without delay.

According to a WASA spokesperson, individuals Muhammad Afser Khan, resident of New Paryan (Rs222,712), Sarwar Khan, resident of Mohalla Raja Sultan (Rs425,869), Muhammad Khan Gul, resident of New Paryan (Rs189,853), Raja Abdul Latif, resident of New Paryan (Rs312,251), Nazeer-un-Nisa, resident of New Paryan (Rs187,213) failed to settle their dues despite repeated notices.

Their arrest warrants were ultimately issued following persistent non-payment and a lack of response. The MD underlined that WASA is a self-financed body, meeting all its expenditures from its own resources, and as such, any lapse in revenue recovery would be unacceptable. He issued a firm ultimatum for the complete recovery of arrears, instructing the Revenue Director and Deputy Directors to immediately disconnect the supply lines of all defaulters.

He further warned that defaulters are being given a final opportunity to clear their arrears. Thereafter, concessions on late fees and instalments will be withdrawn, while punitive measures such as property confiscation, arrests, and the suspension of water and sewerage services will be enforced.

Appealing to the public, the MD urged consumers to pay their bills promptly and demonstrate civic responsibility. He reaffirmed WASA's determination that the crackdown will continue until the last defaulter is held accountable, stressing that no external pressure would be tolerated in this campaign.