Power theft remains a rampant issue across Pakistan, causing immense financial damage and posing serious safety risks. Federal Minister of Energy, Awais Leghari, recently disclosed that power theft costs the nation an alarming Rs 600 billion every year. According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)’s latest report, distribution companies lost over 19.17 billion units, or 16.4% of the total units purchased in 2022-23, due to transmission losses and illegal power theft.
In response to this growing problem, the government took decisive action in December 2023 by amending Section 462(O) of the Pakistan Penal Code. This amendment made electricity theft a cognizable offense, punishable by up to three years in prison, fines up to three million rupees, and hefty detection bills. Power companies now have the authority to impose severe penalties, seize illegal equipment, and file criminal charges against those involved in power theft.
A significant portion of the stolen or lost electricity ends up being passed on to consumers or is added to the mounting circular debt, which is a burden that future generations will inherit, according to the Mehfooz Pakistan, a safety origination, to minimize the impact of theft, distribution companies are often forced to implement power outages, even when there is surplus electricity, which negatively affects law-abiding consumers.
In an effort to tackle this issue, a nationwide crackdown on power theft has been launched. This year, Karachi Electric (KE) removed over 16,000 kg of illegal “kundas” (illegal connections) in Karachi alone. In Punjab, including Lahore, over 61,500 individuals have been arrested for power theft, with more than 99,500 cases registered and 8,400 offenders convicted. Similar actions are underway in Balochistan and parts of Sindh. Power theft is not only a financial crime; it is a significant safety hazard.
Illegal connections can lead to electrical fires, electrocution, and other deadly accidents. It is crucial for citizens to report power theft in their communities to prevent such dangers and contribute to the eradication of this menace. By working together, Pakistan can ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all.
