Govt plans crackdown against power thieves

In an effort to lower the spiraling circular debt in the power sector, the caretaker administration on Wednesday unveiled a number of initiatives to combat power theft nationwide.

Due to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) strict requirements for a short-term $3 billion rescue package, the appropriate authorities have so far been unable to come up with immediate relief measures during nationwide demonstrations over rising electricity rates.

At a news conference in Islamabad, caretaker Energy Minister Mohammad Ali and interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi gave an update on the steps being taken to combat power theft and boost the recovery of electricity bills.

The energy minister stated, "We are working on the electricity theft act under which we will create the infrastructure of enforcement along with establishing special courts to try and punish those involved in theft." He stated that a presidential ordinance will be used to move the power legislation in the next two to three weeks.

The interim minister stated, "We are working to curb or decrease power theft of Rs589 billion as soon as possible.

The energy minister stated that authorities are beginning a crackdown against electricity theft in accordance with the instructions of acting Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

According to him, customers of energy "carry a burden of those who steal electricity" and electricity rates cannot be lowered until power theft is completely eradicated. According to Ali, the authorities would pursue power thieves based on the information at their disposal.

Speaking at the event, the minister also said that action will be taken against those officers from power distribution firms who were found to be complicit in power theft.

He claimed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has received the list of officers for removal.

According to Murtaza Solangi, the current administration won't propose any laws or regulations that go outside its purview. The most significant contributor to Pakistan's rising electricity prices, according to Solangi, is electricity theft. He claimed that every year in Pakistan, electricity theft around Rs589 billion is reported.

He claimed that the energy sector needs extensive adjustments right now. He responded to a query by saying that no minister in the nation was using the free electricity service.

On Monday, caretaker PM Kakar directed immediate action against those involved in power theft and asked the relevant authorities to submit reports in this regard on a daily basis. Chairing a meeting, the prime minister also directed swift action against the defaulters, saying there should not be any leniency towards the power thieves and defaulters. The prime minister was briefed in detail about the energy sector issues. The meeting was informed about the total installed capacity, actual generation and overall energy supply during various seasons.