Illegal lines

Illegal electricity connections remain a major issue plaguing the country and adding to the financial burden on power utilities. An honest question everyone needs to address is that are power utilities, along with generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, also expected to ensure law enforcement? Crackdowns happen frequently in different areas but there is no accountability, so the problem persists. Inadequate governance and an ineffective legal framework are allowing theft and defaults to go unpunished, leaving DISCOs burdened by the financial impact.

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 made theft a cognisable offense, but its temporary nature limits its impact. Full parliamentary approval is essential to give this law the authority it needs to help reduce theft and enforce accountability.

Syed Mohsin Ali

Karachi