”Zero-tolerance policy should be adopted against electricity theft, smuggling and hoarding,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while chairing a meeting of the Energy Department. She directed the authorities concerned to conduct a grand operation across the province against electricity theft, smuggling and hoarding, to implement a policy devised in a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister yesterday. Madam Chief Minister directed to fix targets in this regard, and present a compliance report on their completion after the expiry of one month deadline period.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said,”Every connection including industries, factories, shops, houses, shopping malls will be checked. The relevant authorities will be responsible in case of any failure.”
Madam Chief Minister said,”Whoever is found involved in power theft, smuggling and hoarding, should not be given any discount.” She also directed to legislate for severe punishments and heavy fines for the complete elimination of electricity theft. Madam Chief Minister highlighted that electricity theft is already a cognizable offence. So, arrests and immediate punishment should be ensured.
Madam Chief Minister said,”Action will also be taken against government officials involved in electricity theft.” She added,”Black sheep within the system should be identified and tried under the relevant laws.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said,”Ministry of Energy will also monitor all electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) of the province.” She directed to form a task force of the experts and government representatives to devise an effective strategy to curb this menace. This task force will monitor the Ministry of Power, the performance of DISCOs and the operation against power theft.
Earlier, it was briefed in the meeting that electricity worth Rs 100 billion is being stolen in Punjab every year. Madam Chief Minister reiterated,”There will be zero tolerance on electricity theft in Punjab.” She added,”Billions of rupees lost in electricity theft will be spent on health, education and development of the people.”
Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary and Secretary Energy attended the meeting.