Lahore: Following a directive from Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Police has escalated its operations against electricity theft across the province. The intensified crackdown has led to significant law enforcement activity, including a high number of arrests and legal actions over the past year.
According to Punjab Police announcement issued on 14 September 2024, approximately 99,589 individuals have been apprehended for their involvement in electricity theft, with over 132,745 cases registered and 91,880 challans submitted. Of these, 19,764 accused have been incarcerated. The provincial capital of Lahore saw 42,223 arrests, with 42,951 cases filed and 21,266 challans submitted, resulting in 12,108 incarcerations.
IG Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has called for further improvements in handling electricity theft cases, urging faster and fairer submission of challans and enhanced recovery efforts. He stressed the importance of arresting proclaimed offenders and ensuring robust collaboration with electricity companies to prevent revenue losses to the national treasury. Anwar affirmed the police’s commitment to supporting electricity companies and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against offenders.