RAWALPINDI: Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has sought the help of Rangers to take strict action against electricity thieves and defaulters.
According to a notification issued by the LESCO administration, in the first phase, an operation will be carried out with the assistance of Rangers in Okara Circle.
The notification states that action will be taken against electricity thieves in the border and remote villages of Okara Circle, while operations will also be carried out against electricity thieves in Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Circles.
According to LESCO, the rate of defaulters and losses is high in these circles, due to which this matter has been declared highly sensitive. Lists of defaulters have been sought from LESCO officers within two days.
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On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a high-level investigation committee while taking notice of the reinstatement of 12 officers removed from LESCO on corruption charges, which includes former Secretary Power Shahid Khan, current Secretary Energy, IB, and representatives of the LESCO board.
According to sources, the committee will submit its final report to the Prime Minister by January 10. There are allegations of reinstatement of officers and illegal connections by taking money from the LESCO management, while the company’s officers are also accused of corruption in relation to the purchase of equipment from an international company.
In another important development, NAB Lahore has completed its investigation into the issue of overbilling of crores of rupees in LESCO, and this report will be submitted to the NAB chairman.
According to NAB sources, additional bills of crores of rupees were given to consumers in 2024, for which the Chief Executive LESCO and other officers have been held responsible.
LESCO officials say that all data related to overbilling has been provided to NAB and no delay was made. The officers appeared at every opportunity and fully cooperated with NAB’s request.
