A recent report by PESCO has shed light on a deepening crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s power sector, revealing that the province lost a staggering Rs193.4 billion over an 11-month period due to electricity theft and technical inefficiencies. On average, this translates to an alarming daily loss of Rs583 million. The district of Bannu emerged as the worst affected, with an eye-watering 73.86% loss rate, amounting to Rs11.74 billion. Surprisingly, while Peshawar reported lower percentage losses, it accounted for the highest financial damage—Rs51.44 billion.
Several other districts, including Tank, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, and Mardan, also reported considerable energy losses, indicating that the issue is widespread and systemic. PESCO officials attributed the situation to a combination of factors, including outdated transmission infrastructure, insufficient local administrative support, and persistent political interference that hinders accountability and operational reform.
The utility also highlighted the growing difficulty in controlling power theft without strong enforcement mechanisms and effective policing in affected areas. This persistent crisis not only affects economic stability but also undermines public trust in essential services.
