PM directs to bring electricity tariff, crackdown on power theft

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed for immediate steps to bring down the electricity prices and reduce additional burden on consumers due to pilferage and other damages in the power sector.

The prime minister, while chairing a meeting of energy task force before his departure to Saudi Arabia, said it is unacceptable that common people suffer due to theft and mismanagement of others.

The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the energy sector, and informed that a comprehensive energy policy is being devised keeping in view next 25 years needs of the country.

Furthermore, steps are also being taken to reduce dependence on imported fuel and promote use of indigenous resources. The meeting was also told that technology is widely being used to improve supply and distribution of electricity.

It has also been decided to launch a crackdown on power thieves. A special task force has been set up under Chief Minister Punjab to stop the power theft and deputy commissioners at the district level will oversee the crackdown against power theft.

PM Imran directed the power division to present a detailed plan for ensuring the availability of quality transformers. The meeting decided to conduct seismic surveys to expedite the process of oil and gas exploration.

It was also decided to provide full security to oil and gas companies working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in coordination with Frontier Constabulary.

PM Imran welcomed the return of international oil and gas exploration company Exxon to the country and said the government will provide assistance to foreign companies working in this sector.

It may be mentioned the earlier the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Asad Umar, also deferred a summary on a hike in power tariff.