LAHORE: In one of the largest crackdowns against electricity theft in recent years, Punjab Police have arrested more than 37,000 suspects across the province, registering over 55,000 cases under various sections of the law.
According to an official spokesman in Lahore, the campaign, launched in collaboration with power distribution companies, aims to curb the rampant practice of power pilferage that has long strained Pakistan’s electricity system and caused significant financial losses to the national exchequer.
More than 2,000 individuals accused of large-scale power theft have been convicted by courts and fined heavily, officials said. Authorities estimate that the crackdown has prevented losses worth billions of rupees.
Police teams, working with power utility inspectors, carried out raids in both urban and rural areas. Special teams were formed to monitor high-loss feeders, inspect suspected connections, and disconnect illegal lines.
Officials said the campaign will continue in the coming weeks, with instructions issued to intensify monitoring and ensure swift prosecution of offenders.
Speaking to reporters, the spokesman warned that those involved in facilitating or protecting power theft, including some corrupt utility staff, would also be prosecuted. He urged citizens to report suspicious connections and promised protection for whistleblowers.
The provincial government has declared electricity theft a serious crime, linking it to broader efforts to improve governance, reduce circular debt in the power sector, and ensure fair distribution of resources.
Power companies have also announced plans to upgrade transmission systems and improve metering to prevent future losses. Meanwhile, public awareness campaigns are being launched to highlight the consequences of power theft and encourage voluntary bill payment.
Authorities expressed hope that sustained enforcement, combined with reforms in the power sector, would help stabilize electricity supply and reduce financial burdens on honest consumers.
