Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif requested on Tuesday that load-shedding be stopped in the country and that distribution companies (DISCOs) be privatised as soon as possible by employing specialists to manage the process.
Load-shedding
The premier presided over a meeting to evaluate electrical load management and anti-theft policies.
He emphasised a zero-tolerance stance for electricity theft and promised to personally assess developments on a monthly basis.
The prime minister asked provincial governments and law enforcement authorities to actively support the anti-theft campaign.
He also insisted on preventing overbilling. He also advocated for a quick method for solarizing tubewells in Balochistan.
Participants agreed that this proposal would assist reduce load shedding, recover dues from defaulters, and reduce queue losses.
The gathering was informed that load-shedding was being implemented in areas with significant rates of electricity theft and line losses, as well as disproportionately poor bill recovery.
It was reported that the federal government is forming task groups at the provincial and divisional levels to combat electricity theft, with weekly performance evaluations to monitor their progress.
Several federal ministers, top government officials, and provincial representatives joined the conference via video link.
Key Attendees
Key attendees were Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Musadik Malik, Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Minister of State Ali Pervez Malik, PM’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal, the Chairman of WAPDA, and chief secretaries and IG police.
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