Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated immediate disciplinary action against officers implicated in electricity theft and those facilitating such activities. This directive comes as part of a broader initiative to address the financial hemorrhage caused by power theft to the nation’s economy.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during a review meeting on electricity theft prevention in Islamabad today, Prime Minister Sharif underscored the critical impact of electricity theft on the country’s already strained economic situation. He stressed that those responsible for billions of dollars in losses through power theft would face stringent punishments, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to stabilize the system with anti-theft measures.

In his directives, Sharif highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to reduce line losses and upgrade transmission lines, alongside instructions to consider the privatization of generation companies viewed as a financial burden on the national exchequer. Additionally, he requested a detailed report on the plan for solarizing tube wells in Balochistan, indicating a shift towards more sustainable energy sources.

The Prime Minister revealed that efforts against power theft since September last year have resulted in the recovery of 57 billion rupees, showcasing the effectiveness of the anti-theft campaign. The meeting also resolved to initiate the installation of smart meters on transformers under the Public Sector Development Program, a move aimed at reducing load shedding in areas with lower rates of electricity theft.

These measures reflect the government’s commitment to reforming the energy sector by curbing illegal practices and modernizing the infrastructure to ensure a stable and efficient power supply across the country.