KARACHI: Power theft in Pakistan is causing widespread harm, with its financial burden either passed on to consumers as higher tariffs or added to the country’s growing circular debt, warns safety organisation Mehfooz Pakistan. This systemic issue threatens future generations while also straining the power sector.
To address theft-related losses, power distribution companies are often forced to impose outages, even when electricity generation exceeds demand, disproportionately penalising law-abiding consumers. Mehfooz Pakistan, in a statement issued Monday, called for urgent measures to curb these practices.
In December 2023, an ordinance amended Section 462(O) of the Pakistan Penal Code, making electricity theft a cognizable offence. Offenders now face penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, fines of Rs. 3 million, and significant detection charges. The new law empowers power companies to impose penalties, confiscate illegal equipment, and initiate criminal proceedings.
A nationwide crackdown has yielded significant results, particularly in Punjab. In 2024 alone, 61,540 individuals were arrested for power theft, leading to 99,572 cases being registered and 8,424 convictions. Similar operations are underway in Sindh and Balochistan.
Power theft poses not only economic challenges but also severe safety risks. Illegal connections can lead to electrical fires, electrocution, and other life-threatening accidents. Authorities emphasise that combating this menace is critical for public safety and the stability of the energy sector.
