Govt to Intensify Crackdown Against Electricity Theft

The federal government is gearing up to intensify its crackdown against electricity theft and defaulters, signaling a robust initiative that encompasses measures such as blocking bank transactions and imposing travel bans until outstanding payments are settled.

In a bid to address the challenges related to upholding the rule of law, the government is ramping up its efforts against the so-called ‘illegal spectrum.’ This entails not only focusing on anti-smuggling measures but also actively combating power theft, according to a report by Business Recorder.

Power Distribution Companies (Discos) have managed to recover approximately Rs 50 billion, which represents a mere 4.5 percent of the total recordable amount of Rs 1.05 trillion. This underscores the significant scale of the issue at hand.

The Secretary of Power disclosed that Discos have imposed detection charges exceeding Rs 5 billion. The prevalent power theft, particularly in the expansive Indus Plain areas, is attributed to cooling loads and a prevailing sense of local impunity.

With winter approaching, there are concerns that the monthly returns from the anti-theft campaign may decline as the incentive for theft diminishes.

As part of their ongoing efforts, Discos have taken decisive actions, including the arrest of 29,541 delinquent consumers and 20 employees. Additionally, 272 employees, including officers, have been suspended as of November.

There is a pressing need for concrete measures and a “whole of government” approach, with a warning that without intervention, losses could escalate by Rs 589 billion.

The systemic nature of electricity theft, fueled by existing loopholes, the absence of deterrent measures, and collusion among government officials, is exacerbating the situation. In response, some factions within the government are advocating for a comprehensive review of the current campaign and proposing new measures by the Ministry of Interior.

These suggestions include introducing innovative approaches, implementing stringent measures against employees engaged in malpractices, sharing CNICs (Computerized National Identity Cards) of defaulters with the Ministry of Interior to block bank transactions and impose travel bans. Furthermore, there is a proposal for conducting a ‘name and shame’ campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Read more: Customs Dept Seizes Thousands of Smuggled Mobile Phones in Islamabad.

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