ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, and Chief Minister Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz, convened via zoom link Tuesday and discussed strategies for collaboration between the federal and Punjab governments aimed at reducing electricity theft across the province and improvement in recoveries.
During the meeting, both leaders explored various avenues for cooperation and underlined the need for a dedicated task force at district level comprising of magistrates, police, intelligence organizations, and prosecution experts. This task force will be mandated to combat the rampant issue of electricity theft.
Additionally, a consensus was developed on implementing an incentive system to reward officials of provincial government who actively contribute to increased recovery from defaulters and reduction in power theft. Both further agreed that strict measures would be taken against individuals and officials including DISCOS officials found involved in electricity pilferage, as they not only tarnish the reputation of the system but also compromise on its overall efficiency.
The minister assured the chief minister that individuals failing to meet performance benchmarks must be held accountable for their inefficiency and subpar performance, as part of ensuring a more effective implementation of policies.
Both the Federal Minister and Chief Minister agreed to take further steps to ensure proper prosecution of those involved in electricity theft for which legal framework shall further be strengthened.
