LAHORE: In two major anti-power theft operations, led by Pakistan Rangers, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) detected massive power theft in Lahore and imposed a record fine of 23m units worth Rs1.25bn for on those involved in theft.

Both operations were carried out on the information of law enforcement agencies/intelligence agencies, according to Lesco Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shahid Haider.

“These two operations are so far the biggest ones in terms of volume of power theft worth Rs1bn or so since the launch of the campaign in September 2023. In just two operations, one at a furnace factory, our teams led by the Pakistan Rangers detected the massive power theft,” the Lesco chief said while talking to Dawn on Friday.

According to the first information report regarding the Lesco team’s raid of Jan 23, the Shalamar Division SDO stated that he received information that the consumer, namely Haris Humayon, was running his furnace mill by stealing electricity by direct hooking.

On receiving information, the team, led by the Rangers, reached the premises situated at Mauza Devipura, Dhobi Ghaat, and found the 200kV transformer installed inside the furnace factory. On further checking, the team found massive power theft and use of electricity more than the sanctioned load. The team confiscated the transformer and other material being used for power theft.

In another raid, carried out in the midnight of Jan 19 and 20, the team found another consumer, Amanat Ali, involved in massive powder theft through the direct hook in Bilal Colony.

In both cases, the detection bills worth Rs1.25bn have been prepared for 23m units and would be recovered from the owners of the properties.

LDP: The district administration and the MCL have the installed management information system (MIS) to monitor the contractors and the development schemes under the Lahore Development Plan.

The system will also be used to track digital payments to the contractors. Through this modern system, the contractors would be able to submit their bills digitally without visiting offices repeatedly. The administration has already set deadlines for timely and transparent completion of development projects on priority.

“Complete transparency and high construction standards are being ensured in the Lahore Development Plan (LDP). The use of modern technology in development works is the need of the hour and all resources are being utilised for the speedy and effective completion of projects,” said Metropolitan Corporation Lahore Chief Officer Shahid Abbas Kathiya while imparting training to the contractors.

He said that district administration was committed to the timely completion of the LDP and implementation of the MIS system would usher in a new era in the public sector construction industry.

“This system will not only accelerate the pace of work but also promote transparency and accountability,” he claimed.

The contractors also showed keen interest in the training programme and welcomed the modern system. The initiative will not only bring transparency in government works but also create ease for the contractors.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2025