LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) claimed to have conducted an operation after detecting electricity theft at three locations in Hanjarwal, where power was allegedly being supplied directly to a plaza and 35 residential quarters, according to a company statement.

The operation was conducted at night under the supervision of superintendent engineer (central) and Iqbal Town executive engineer. Sub-Divisional Officer Rana Town Mian Hamza Ishaq led the operation with the assistance of police and Lesco staff.

According to a Lesco spokesperson, direct electricity supply was detected at the locations. The first site comprised a plaza and 13 residential quarters, while the second and third sites had 10 and 12 quarters, respectively. Electricity connections at the sites were disconnected, and four FIRs were registered against those allegedly involved in electricity theft. Further legal proceedings were underway, the spokesperson said.

Lesco CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt said that electricity theft was a serious crime and that indiscriminate action against those involved would continue. He said legal proceedings would be ensured against electricity thieves and no leniency would be shown in such cases.

RAILWAY PRODUCTION: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Saturday visited the steel and carriage shops at Mughalpura and directed officials to ensure the timely production of quality components for trains and improve quality control at the workshops.

During his visit, the minister inspected the electric arc furnace and reviewed the spectro laboratory used to test components manufactured in the furnace. He directed the authorities to upgrade the laboratory in line with international standards.

Officials briefed the minister that the furnace operation had increased production at the steel shop and improved the quality of its output.

Mr Abbasi also visited various sections of the steel and carriage shops, including the foundry, rolling mill, spring, buffer, wheel and blacksmith shops, where he reviewed production processes and the quality of railway components. He directed the relevant officials to ensure that parts used in trains were manufactured on an urgent basis while adhering to prescribed quality standards. During his visit to the spring shop, he inspected the quality of springs being produced and stressed that no compromise would be made on quality. The minister also met workers at the workshops and issued directives to increase the heat allowance.

He instructed the officials concerned to complete the survey of scrap and ensure its sale by Dec 31. Regarding infrastructure development at the carriage shop, Mr Abbasi directed that civil works in various sections be completed by Nov 30.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2026