Campaigning tactics: Candidates warned against installing transformers

PESCO spokesperson says low quality transformers can result in accidents.

PESHAWAR: After receiving complaints stating some election candidates had installed electricity transformers in their constituencies in a bid to secure more votes, Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) authorities issued orders to have the transformers removed.

Pesco spokesperson Shaukat Afzal said some candidates had lodged complaints regarding their opponents, who were installing the transformers on the outskirts of the city and in surrounding districts without permission from the electricity company.

Afzal claimed the transformers were of low quality and could result in accidents, but did not mention the specific areas the complaints referred to.



Afzal maintained it was illegal to install transformers without permission from the government or Pesco, adding the company would not allow candidates or any political parties to continue the process unabated. “The drive (to address the situation) was launched Monday afternoon,” he added.

Afzal explained Pesco chief Tariq Sadozai held a meeting with SDOs and field officers after the complaints were received, directing them to present information on illegal installations.

Once this information was received, Sadozai warned the offending candidates the transformers would be disconnected and confiscated if they were not removed voluntarily.

Afzal claimed Sadozai also hinted at complaining to the Election Commission of Pakistan. However, the matter had not been forwarded to the commission till the filing of this report.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2013.