ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has suspended its seven officials over electricity theft and unauthorised meter installations while 24 people were arrested in Rawalpindi and Attock districts during the ongoing crackdown.

Among the suspended Iesco officers were XEN Taher Rashid and Subdivision Officer (SDO) Shahid Mahmood.

“LS-2 Shahid Gul, Arman Ali, Sajid Ali, meter test assistant Farrukh Aziz and Masood Ahmed have also been suspended,” a spokesman for the company said.

He said the Iesco chief had stated that he will ensure the success of the campaign launched against electricity thieves.

“Those involved in electricity theft will continue to face disciplinary action,” he said.

Rawalpindi

The district enforcement committee to control electricity theft was activated in Rawalpindi on Monday which registered cases against nine people for electricity theft.

On the instructions of Punjab caretaker government, the district administration, Iesco officials and police in Rawalpindi have launched a crackdown against electricity pilferers and booked 35 people.

So far, nine people have been arrested in the crackdown against electricity theft across the district. The remaining 26 people against whom complains have been received will also be arrested soon, said a district administration spokesman.

He said four cases were lodged with the Waris Khan police, two with Ratta Amral police, two with Wah Cantonment police, one each with Civil Lines, Murree, Kallar Syedan and Taxila police.

He said in the first phase, commercial buildings were being checked during which nine building owners were found involved in electricity theft. They were getting electricity through direct lines (Kunda system).

The district administration officials said strict measures were being taken against electricity thieves.

A complaint cell has also been created in the office of Civil Defence Rawalpindi on which people can file complaints about electricity theft.

The official said strict action will be taken against all elements involved in electricity theft.

15 arrested in Attock

The special task force formed to check power pilferage arrested 15 people during the crackdown in the district of Attock.

According to official sources, a team of Iesco supported by the district administration and police raided various parts of the district and caught 15 people involved in electricity theft from main lines and by meter tampering. They registered five FIRs against the suspects.

Deputy Commissioner Attock Rao Atif Raza said arrests were made during a crackdown against power pilferers in all six tehsils of the district.

“Strict orders have been issued to prevent power theft in the city. We have been asked to conduct night raids to arrest culprits.” According to Mr Raza, the special task force of Iesco with the help of the police raided houses where direct hooks were being used to steal electricity. He said checking of 1907 domestic and commercial connections was carried out in which 15 people were found involved in electricity theft through different means.

“The culprits have been arrested. Cases have been registered against them and an investigation is underway. The crackdown will continue until power pilferage is brought under check and the culprits are taken to task,” he added.

Moreover, Wah Saddar police arrested two electricity pilferers in a crackdown launched in the rural areas. A team led by additional executive engineer Iesco Naqeebullah Kakar during checking of domestic connections found two persons getting power illegally.

Mr Kakar informed newsmen that the arrests were made during a crackdown launched against power pilferers in Brahma area.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2023