ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has issued directives for intensified efforts to combat electricity theft in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Sindh, and Quetta.
During a review meeting on the anti-power theft campaign, the Prime Minister also emphasized the need to accelerate the solarization of agricultural tube-wells.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister has requested a comprehensive report on the challenges faced during the anti-power theft initiatives in Balochistan and related issues. He underlined the caretaker government’s responsibility to establish a robust system for the next democratic government, particularly in the context of actions against power theft.
The meeting provided a briefing on the progress of the anti-power theft campaign since its initiation. It was reported that the campaign has been successfully ongoing through collaboration with provincial governments.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar chaired a review meeting regarding the Anti-Power Theft Campaign 2023, in Islamabad today. pic.twitter.com/bNiW46EX4S
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 25, 2023
Notably, the campaign has resulted in the apprehension of 19,415 individuals involved in power theft, with 39,836 First Information Reports filed against such individuals since September. Additionally, 189 government officials were suspended due to their involvement in electricity theft.
Electricity Theft Rate Declines Significantly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The meeting highlighted the significant success achieved in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s district Mardan, where the electricity theft ratio decreased from 43 percent to 13 percent as a result of the campaign. As of September 30, the campaign had successfully recovered Rs 14 billion.
Prime Minister Kakar commended the Energy Ministry, power distribution companies, and relevant federal and provincial authorities for their accomplishments in the campaign against electricity theft.
The meeting also featured an analysis of the nationwide assessment to identify the underlying causes of power theft. Attendees included caretaker federal ministers for interior, energy, and information & broadcasting, provincial chief secretaries, and relevant federal secretaries.
