MULTAN: Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) has slapped a detection bill of Rs1.7 million to a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf National Assembly member after power theft charges against him were proved.

On April 9, a Mepco team led by Sub-Divisional Officer (industrial estate) Muhammad Imran detected the power theft at the residence of PTI MNA Amir Dogar.

According to Mepco officials, electrical appliances, including air-conditioners, were being used at the MNA’s residence, but the electricity meter was not running.

Besides disconnecting the electricity connection, the Mepco authorities got registered a case against Dogar with Muzaffarabad police station under relevant sections of Electricity Act.

Mepco sources said the pilferage of electricity had been going on at Dogar’s residence for six years.

They said the meter of the MNA was sent to Meter Testing Laboratory in Lahore that confirmed that it was deliberately made non-functional.

Mr Dogar, however, termed the case a conspiracy and political victimisation, adding that the power theft allegations were leveled against him to damage his reputation.

He claimed that he got constructed his house and was not aware that the meter was dead, adding that he would contest the case.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2018