Islamabad, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives aimed at reducing load-shedding and combating electricity theft across Pakistan. In a review meeting on electricity supply and load management, Sharif emphasized the need for improved load management, especially in extreme heat, to better serve the public.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of strict measures against those involved in electricity theft, indicating that the campaign against power theft would continue until it is fully eradicated. Sharif announced that he would personally monitor progress on anti-theft measures on a monthly basis.
During the meeting, Sharif also highlighted the need for cooperation from provincial governments and law enforcement agencies in the anti-electricity theft campaign. He underscored that tackling electricity theft is crucial for national interests and the country’s development and prosperity.
The Prime Minister instructed that overbilling should be avoided and called for the acceleration of the privatization of power distribution companies, suggesting the hiring of experts to manage this transition. He also directed the preparation of a strategy for the solarization of tube-wells in Balochistan.
The meeting also covered discussions with regional leaders, including the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about a unified strategy for managing electricity load and reducing losses. Officials reported that load-shedding is primarily enforced in areas with high electricity theft, significant line losses, and low bill recovery rates.
Further improvements to the electricity transmission system were discussed, including the upgrading of the South-North transmission line. Task forces at the provincial and divisional levels will be established to prevent power theft, with their performance reviewed weekly.