The nationwide campaign against power theft in Pakistan, spearheaded by the Power Division in collaboration with other governmental bodies, has achieved significant success in recouping lost revenues and deterring illegal activities. The concerted efforts from March 24 to 31 resulted in the recovery of more than Rs. 1.5 billion, adding to the substantial total recoveries of Rs. 84 billion since the crackdown began in September last year.
The initiative, initiated by the interim government and military leadership, signifies a robust commitment to combatting power theft, a longstanding issue in the country. By apprehending over 62,000 individuals involved in power theft since September 1, the government has demonstrated its resolve to enforce the rule of law and protect essential infrastructure.
The specific breakdown of recoveries, with Rs. 1.05 billion reclaimed from major cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, and Islamabad, and Rs. 0.599 billion from other regions including Peshawar, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Quetta, highlights the widespread nature of the problem and the comprehensive approach taken in addressing it.
The recent directive from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to intensify efforts against electricity and gas theft underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to tackling this issue. By involving law enforcement agencies and fostering interdepartmental cooperation, the campaign aims to not only recover lost revenues but also deter future instances of power theft through robust enforcement and penalties.
