The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has cracked down on power thieves, removing over 700 illegal hooks and imposing a fine of Rs 15 million. According to PESCO spokesman, the crackdown was conducted in collaboration with the district administrations and police. In Peshawar, 215 illegal connections were removed, while 109 were removed in Khyber, 66 in Mardan, 30 in Hazara-I, 90 in Hazara-II, 94 in Swat, 40 each in Bannu and Swabi. PESCO also filed applications for registration of FIRs against more than 400 people involved in electricity theft. Several power pilferers were arrested on the spot and handed over to the police.

The spokesman said that with an increase in the crackdowns, many illegal consumers voluntarily removed direct hooks. PESCO urged the masses to report power theft by calling 118. The crackdown is a welcome development as it will help to reduce electricity theft and improve the power supply to legal consumers. It is also a warning to those who are involved in power theft that they will be caught and punished.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)