LAHORE: Electricity workers observed a demands day all over the country on Tuesday under the auspices of the All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union by holding rallies.

They demanded the prime minister to review the proposed decision of privatisation of three profitable power distribution companies (Discos) -- Iesco, Gepco and Fesco -- in the wider national interest.

In Lahore, a big rally was held in front of the press club which was led by union secretary general Khurshid Ahmad.

Addressing the rally, the union leader demanded recruitment of the line staff to save the lives of those workers who have been forced to work doubly due to staff shortage. He said two lineman had lost their lives during the performance of their duty in the last two days.

He also demanded protection for the workers performing their duty for prevention of electricity theft and recovery of dues from defaulters.

Crackdown: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) has detected over 120,000 cases of power theft since the launch of their operations in September last year.

According to a spokesman, the teams arrested 37,627 people involved in power theft and charged them for over 220 million units worth more than Rs4.74 billion.

Simultaneously, operations against gas pilferage are also ongoing in Punjab and other regions.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2024