The nationwide crackdown on electricity theft in Pakistan has yielded substantial results, with the recovery of more than Rs75 billion, according to details shared by the power division. Since September 1, a total of Rs75.166 billion has been reclaimed from power thieves, with 44,730 individuals taken into custody.
In the week from February 11 to 18, the power division successfully recovered Rs2.096 billion from electricity pilferage and apprehended 106 offenders. Notably, Rs1.211 billion was reclaimed from areas including Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan, leading to the arrest of 57 power thieves during this period.
Furthermore, Rs0.301 billion was recovered from power theft in Peshawar, with 26 individuals detained. Other recoveries included Rs0.022 billion from tribal districts merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rs0.485 billion from Hyderabad and Sukkur, and Rs0.077 billion from Quetta.
The caretaker government of Pakistan initiated this crackdown to curb power theft across the country and alleviate losses in the power sector, ultimately aiming to address circular debt concerns. The International Monetary Fund had urged Pakistan to take measures to reduce circular debt in the power sector.
