Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari has recently initiated correspondence with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, expressing his intent to engage in discussions regarding the critical issue of electricity theft in the region.
Laghari, in his letter to the Chief Minister, underlined the necessity of police support in combating electricity theft and stated the urgency of addressing the inefficiencies within Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) and Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (TESCO).
Drawing attention to the staggering estimated losses of 188 billion rupees incurred by PESCO and TESCO in the current financial year, Laghari acknowledged the implications of these losses on the sustainability of the power sector. Furthermore, he pointed out the challenges posed by the lack of robust government enforcement in areas under the jurisdiction of TESCO, calling for strategic interventions to enhance enforcement and mitigate losses.
The Federal Energy Minister proposed potential solutions to the pressing issues, including the formulation of a comprehensive recovery plan by the provincial government for TESCO areas and, in an unprecedented move, the potential takeover of power distribution in these regions.
The collaborative effort between federal and provincial authorities is deemed imperative in addressing the complex challenges faced by the power sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Laghari’s appeal for urgent action acknowledge the gravity of the situation and the need for concerted efforts to combat electricity theft and enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the power sector in the region.
