Pakistan recovers more than Rs133 billion from power theft defaulters

The Power Division has recovered over Rs133 billion during a nationwide crackdown on power theft from September 2023 to the present, according to ARY News on Sunday.

This operation, initiated by the Pakistan government with support from military leadership, aims to restore the country’s economy and is now yielding positive results.

Details show that more than Rs133 billion has been recovered from individuals involved in power theft, with over 87,516 thieves arrested. In the past week alone, the Power Division reclaimed Rs920 million from power thieves and apprehended 173 violators.

The Pakistan government has pledged to continue the crackdown until power theft is eradicated across the country.

On September 6 of the previous year, the caretaker federal government announced plans to address electricity theft as part of efforts to reduce the growing circular debt in the power sector.

The power minister highlighted that 10 distribution companies in Pakistan face an annual loss of Rs589 billion, primarily due to electricity theft and non-payment of bills.

It is also important to note that rising power bills have sparked protests across the country, from Karachi to Khyber, with some turning violent.

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