In a major crackdown on electricity theft, the Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) apprehended a total of 3,792 pilferers during the past week. The culprits faced a collective fine exceeding Rs 172 millions, and 2,458 cases were registered against them. According to MEPCO officials, the crackdown, launched on September 7th on the directives of the Prime Minister, was carried out in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. Mepco teams raided various premises across their nine operation circles, including households, commercial entities, tube wells, and industries.

The crackdown resulted in the arrest of 63 electricity pilferers in Multan, three in Muzaffargarh, seven in DG Khan, seven in Vehari, 17 in Bahawalpur, and two in Sahiwal. The most significant apprehensions were recorded in Bahawalnagar, with 24 individuals taken into custody. Mepco officials stated that the crackdown will continue until electricity theft is completely eradicated. They urged the public to cooperate with the company and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

 The Mepco crackdown is a welcome move and is expected to have a significant impact on reducing electricity theft in the region. Electricity theft is a major issue in Pakistan, costing the country billions of rupees in losses each year. The government's crackdown on this illegal activity is a step in the right direction and will help to improve the country's power supply.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)