Minister for Power and Energy Muhammad Ali on Friday highlighted the significant progress made in the ongoing crackdown against power theft.
Addressing a news conference along with Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi and Caretaker Minister for Finance Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Muhammad Ali highlighted the government’s commitment to continue this effort beyond the immediate future to address the persistent issue of power theft.
The interim government initiated a comprehensive campaign against electricity theft earlier this month, aimed at curbing the growing technical and commercial losses faced by power distribution companies across the country.
Minister Muhammad Ali mentioned that collaboration with law enforcement agencies at the district level was in full swing, and measures were in place to expedite the process.
In addition to combating power theft, the minister stressed that the government was actively working on improving the management and governance of electricity distribution companies.
Plans were underway to revamp the Board of Governors of these companies, and CEOs would be reassigned to enhance their governance and capabilities, he said.
The minister said the government was exploring three potential strategies to enhance the performance of power distribution companies including long-term concessions in partnership with the World Bank and the possibility of privatization.
Muhammad Ali assured that a careful evaluation of these options would determine the best course of action.
The minister also assured the public that efforts were being made to minimize the impact of rising electricity prices on consumers while cracking down on theft.
He noted that the power sector carried a substantial circular debt of Rs 2500 billion, and the gas sector’s circular debt stood at Rs 2900 billion. Managing this significant debt was a priority for the government.
Furthermore, Muhammad Ali disclosed that proactive measures were being taken to ensure an adequate supply of gas during the winter season. The government was also committed to accelerating efforts to explore new oil and gas reserves, an area that had been overlooked in the past decade.
To monitor the progress of the campaign against power theft, the Power Division had established a Central Control Room, underscoring the government’s determination to address this issue effectively.
