Power theft declared cognizable offence

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi promulgated the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance 2023 to amend the Section 462(O) of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, declaring the theft of electricity a cognizable offence.

The president promulgated the ordinance under Article 89-1 of the Constitution. According to a President House statement, the electricity distribution companies were earlier facing difficulties in the registration of FIRs after power theft incidents. However, under the new ordinance, the incidents of electricity theft will be a cognizable offence.

After the ordinance, theft of electricity will be a cognizable offence on the complaint not only by officers of Grade 17 or above but also by the nominees of CEOs of electricity distribution companies.

The ordinance will help curb power theft in the energy sector worth Rs 590 billion. According to the ordinance promulgated by the president, amendment in Section 4620, Act No. XLV of 1860 (1) in the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (XLV of 1860), for section 4620, the following shall be substituted:- “4620. Cognizance.-(1) The offences punishable under this Chapter shall be cognizable however the police shall not take cognizance of an offence under this Chapter except where information of an offence under this Chapter is provided to the police in writing by a duly authorized officer (not below Grade 17) of the Government or by a person duly authorized by a Chief Executive Officer of a power distribution company as the case may be.”