Faisalabad Electricity Supply Company (FESCO) task teams arrested 359 power thieves in the division on Monday during an ongoing massive crackdown against electricity theft. In district Sargodha, the teams raided and arrested 144 pilferers and imposed a fine of Rs1.3 billion on them. In Khushab, 31 power thieves were held by the WAPDA task team and fined Rs3.5 million. In Bhakkar, 97 power pilferers were arrested and fined Rs265,000. In Mianwali, the WAPDA task team arrested 87 power thieves and fined them Rs162,000.

FESCO spokesmen said that the thieves had stolen over 10.5 million electricity units and were causing huge losses to state resources. Cases were registered against all the accused while police launched an investigation. The crackdown on power theft is a welcome move by FESCO. Electricity theft is a major problem in Pakistan, and it is estimated that the country loses billions of rupees in revenue every year due to this practice. The crackdown will help to reduce electricity theft and save the government money.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)