PM Shehbaz Orders Nationwide Crackdown Against Electricity Theft

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday directed a nationwide crackdown on electricity theft as a top priority to support the government’s energy sector reforms. During a review meeting on matters related to the Power Division, he urged immediate action to combat electricity theft, reduce line losses, and improve the electricity transmission system. In the meeting, the premier recalled the recent appointment of new board chairmen and members in five electricity distribution companies (DISCOs). He expressed confidence that these transparent appointments would enhance the performance of DISCOs altogether. The Prime Minister instructed the Federal Minister of Power and the Power Secretary to visit all four provinces and coordinate with provincial governments to address the performance of DISCOs and related issues. He also called for a comprehensive approach involving the entire government to tackle electricity theft and directed provincial governments to increase the presence of law enforcement agencies as required to support these efforts. Shehbaz stressed that corrupt elements within the distribution companies would be dealt with strictly. He urged for an efficient court system to effectively handle public grievances related to DISCOs. Prime Minister Sharif also ordered the immediate convening of a steering committee meeting to accelerate the transfer of agricultural tube wells in Balochistan to solar energy. The meeting was informed that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the Steering Committee for this initiative have already been established. A package is also being prepared to recognize officers who have demonstrated exceptional performance. Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari, along with senior government officials, attended the meeting.