ISLAMABAD: While countrywide protests have erupted due to unbearable electricity bills, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has announced its decision to launch a grand operation against power theft, claiming its elimination will lead to cheap electricity and supply continuity.

Iesco Chairman Engineer Qamarul Islam Raja said power theft was a major hindrance in cheap and uninterrupted electricity supply.

“Power thieves are hijacking the economy of Pakistan. In light of directives from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Federal Minister for Energy for elimination of power theft in Iesco region a very comprehensive and result oriented campaign has been announced,” he said.

The Iesco chief added that power thieves and their facilitators were a significant economic burden on both the country and the institutions.

“Addressing power theft not only helps overcome issues related to load management but also plays a crucial role in fostering the development and prosperity of Pakistan by ensuring a continuous supply of electricity.”

He said all field formations had been advised to speed up their activities against power theft. During the campaign, houses and colonies of Iesco officers and staff will also be checked and if any employee was found involved in power theft, extreme departmental and legal action will be initiated against them.

Mr Raja said he will personally monitor the field formations anti-power theft activities and there will be no compromise on results.

He also requested the consumers to be a part of the national campaign and if theyfind anyone stealing electricity or providing assistance should inform Iesco anti-theft focal person Mr Naveed at his cell number: 0319-5991304.

“Power theft can also be reported to the relevant subdivisional office Helpline No 118 or on complaint and monitoring cell numbers: 051-9252933 and 051-9252934,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2023