A senior officer of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has been suspended after allegations of bribery linked to the repair of an electricity transformer triggered a wider investigation into the utility's operations. Authorities confirmed on Monday that Executive Engineer (XEN) Ahmad Faraz had been suspended on charges of negligence. According to the report, the action follows the earlier suspension of three officials from LESCO's Rural Pattoki division after complaints of misconduct surfaced.

The controversy began after Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif raised concerns on social media, alleging that LESCO employees had received Rs80,000 to repair a damaged transformer. The complaint originated from the village of Dholan Chak 27 near Pattoki, where one of the minister's domestic employees resides.A day earlier, Federal Power Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said strict measures had already been taken against officials involved in the bribery.

He thanked Khawaja Asif for bringing the issue to public attention and described the episode as an example of the government's commitment to accountability and transparency.“We are committed to fairness and self-accountability. Questions are raised even from within our own cabinet and government, and we provide answers to improve our performance,” he said.His remarks came after the LESCO Board ordered a high-level inquiry into the allegations and warned that strict action would be taken if any officials or members of the utility's management were found involved in corruption or misconduct.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)