- Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to combat electricity theft and enhance power distribution in Pakistan, following new appointments to crucial power distribution companies.
- Sharif directed federal and provincial authorities to coordinate efforts against power theft and corruption and expedite the shift of agricultural tube wells to solar energy in Balochistan.
On August 18, 2024, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the Pakistani government’s commitment to addressing critical issues in the country’s power sector, including combating electricity theft, reducing line losses, and improving the power distribution system. In a high-level meeting to review the Ministry of Power’s performance, Sharif outlined a series of measures to enhance the efficiency of power distribution companies (DISCOs) and ensure a more reliable power supply.
The Prime Minister announced that the government had recently appointed new board chairpersons and members to five major DISCOs through a transparent selection process. He expressed optimism that these appointments would improve performance and operational efficiency within these companies.
Sharif emphasised the need for a coordinated approach between the federal and provincial governments to tackle electricity theft and optimise DISCO operations effectively. “A whole-of-government approach is essential to counteract power theft across the country,” Sharif stated.
He instructed the Power Minister and the Secretary of the Power Division to work closely with provincial authorities to address these issues. Additionally, he called for the provincial governments to ensure adequate deployment of police and Tehsildars to support the DISCOs’ efforts in curbing theft.
Sharif also directed that corrupt practices within DISCOs be dealt with firmly, urging strict actions against individuals engaging in corrupt activities. He further instructed DisCos to enhance the effectiveness of their kutchehri systems to address and resolve public complaints better.
In a related development, the Prime Minister called for an urgent steering committee meeting overseeing the transition of agricultural tube wells in Balochistan to solar energy. At the meeting, we were informed that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for this transition had been issued and that a performance recognition package for exemplary officers was being prepared.
The meeting, which included key figures such as Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Power Awais Khan Leghari, and other relevant officials, was focused on streamlining the power sector and implementing reforms aimed at improving service delivery and operational integrity.
This intensive effort reflects the government’s broader strategy to stabilise the power sector and ensure a more reliable energy supply for Pakistan.