Karachi: Rashid Langrial, Power Division Secretary said ‘mafias’ within distribution companies (Discos) have started to feel heat, as government’s crackdown against electricity theft enters 12th day.

Taking to social media platform X, Langrial shared that amount recovered has crossed Rs 4.6 billion, while 1,104 persons have been arrested. “Delta between FIRs and arrests, though widening, will be bridged,” said Langrial.

Government official shared that crackdown by HESCO has started to pick up pace with Rs 962 million recovered, while 30 persons were arrested by September 19.

“SEPCO and PESCO need to roll their sleeves too,” said Langrial. “Mafias within Discos have started to feel heat,” he added. Days ago, caretaker government initiated crackdown against electricity theft, which caused power sector losses to tune of Rs 589 billion annually.

Power Division Secretary stated that capacity payment has doubled, i.e., to Rs 2,152 billion from Rs 1,082 billion due to dollar’s increase from Rs 100 to Rs 300.

Sharing information about capacity payment, Langrial explained that foreign-funded dollar-denominated IPPs have contributed most. Locally-funded RLNG plant’s capacity payment has increased by 60 percent while foreign-funded coal plants’ payment has gone up by 145 percent.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 20 2023

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