Federal, Punjab govts agree to ensure prosecution of power pilferers

ISLAMABAD: Federal and Punjab governments have agreed to take steps for ensuring prosecution of power pilferers for which legal framework would be strengthened.

Minister for Power Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz agreed to strengthen legal framework for prosecution of the power thieves, said a statement issued on Tuesday.

The minister and chief minister convened a meeting via Zoom link to discuss strategies for collaboration between the federal and Punjab governments aimed at reducing electricity theft across the province and improvement in recoveries, the official news agency reported.

During the meeting, both leaders explored various avenues for cooperation and emphasised the need for a dedicated task force at district levels comprising of magistrates, police personnel, intelligence officers, and prosecution experts. This task force would be tasked with taking decisive actions to combat the rampant issue of electricity theft.

They also reached a consensus to implement an incentive system to reward officials of provincial government who actively contribute to increased recovery from defaulters and reduction in power theft.

It was further agreed upon that strict measures would be taken against individuals including officials of discos found involved in electricity theft. The minister assured the CM that individuals failing to meet performance bench-marks must be held accountable for their inefficiency.