Government to start comprehensive drive against power theft

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan on Thursday revealed his plan to launch comprehensive drive against power theft, to overcome inefficiency of the system, and maximize recovery.

Chairing a meeting at Power Division in the federal capital, the minister said that power theft has increased to alarming level as previous governments failed to take concrete steps to eliminate menace which resulted hike in circular debt.

He said that present government is determined to curb menace of power theft on war footing and in this regard a task force for every province would be constituted in consultation with provincial governments which would provide political assistance and administrative support.

“Assistance of law enforcing agencies for safeguarding staff and electricity installations during crackdown operation would be obtained and FIRs would be registered against pilferers as well as officials whose alleged involvement in facilitation of theft is proven,” announced the minsiter.

The federal minister vowed to personally monitor the success of this operation.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Power Division, Mr.Irfan Ali, Special Secretary , Mr Hassan Nasir Jamy, MD PEPCO, CEOs of all DISCOs and other senior officers of Power Division.

Omar Ayub directed the team of PEPCO to furnish report on average units losses on every feeder and verify the complaints of over-billing through spot checking.

He also directed the CEOs of all DISCOs to make their complaint centers more effective and result oriented. The Minister emphasized that it was the vision of the present government to curb corruption within the system and he expected practical proof of the efforts of all CEOs in the fight against theft and corruption.