ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has successfully recovered over Rs133 billion from individuals involved in electricity theft as part of a nationwide crackdown that began in September 2023.
The initiative, launched under the guidance of Pakistan’s government and military leadership, is showing positive outcomes in its efforts to restore the country’s struggling economy.
As part of the ongoing crackdown, more than 87,500 electricity thieves have been apprehended. Just last week, the Power Division collected Rs920 million from violators, with 173 arrests made.
The government has committed to continuing the crackdown until power theft is eradicated across the country.
The crackdown was officially announced by the caretaker federal government on September 6, 2023, as part of efforts to combat the growing circular debt in Pakistan’s power sector. The country’s ten electricity distribution companies are facing a combined annual loss of Rs589 billion, primarily due to power theft and non-payment of electricity bills.
The issue of inflated electricity bills has also sparked widespread protests across Pakistan, from Karachi to Khyber, with some demonstrations turning violent.
