ISLAMABAD: Federal Cabinet in its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved in principle expansion of current installation of advance meters project here to other areas of country to overcome issue of line losses. Cabinet approved installation of advance meters on power transformers.

Shehbaz directed for preparation of list of corrupt officers in power distribution companies and deputing of well-reputed officers on different posts to improve functioning of these companies, reduce line losses and ensure better public delivery. He observed that such performing offices should be encouraged with appreciation and awards.

Cabinet was given detailed briefing by Power Division regarding electricity theft, line losses and comprehensive strategy to reduce them. Meeting was also apprised of power theft, line losses, bills and recovery in DISCOS with presentation of all relevant data, besides, issues in way of recovery from those feeders which had been running into losses and steps and proposals in this regard.

PM directed power division to present in next meeting a comprehensive report on vacant posts of essential staff in DISCOs and stressed that employment process should be held transparent while bringing it at par view best global practices. Expressing his dissatisfaction over average 7 percent line losses, prime minister set up a committee headed by Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif for formulation of a comprehensive plan to reduce line losses average under phases and in line with global practices, besides submission of recommendations to bring reforms in power distribution companies. Ministers Trade and Production Naveed Qamar, Power Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Shazia Marri, State for Petroleum Dr Mussadik Malik, Science and Technology Agha Hassan Baloch, Housing Maulana Abdul Wasay, PM’s Advisor Engineer Amir Muqam and secretary power were present. 

Cabinet also approved recommendation of power division for promotion of low-cost solar power energy initiatives throughout country to replace import of costly fuel. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 19 2022

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