Rs 5.78 Billion Power Theft Exposed Across Pakistan in Two Years

A recent audit report has revealed massive electricity theft worth over Rs 5.78 billion across Pakistan during the last two fiscal years.

According to the report, Peshawar, Hyderabad, and Lahore regions recorded the highest cases of power theft, causing heavy losses to the national economy. Islamabad also reported electricity theft worth Rs 74.6 million.

The audit disclosed that over 262,740 consumers in nine regions were involved in electricity theft during 2022-23 and 2023-24 through illegal connections, meter tampering, fake meters, and direct hooking methods.

Peshawar Electric Supply Company reported losses of Rs 1.84 billion, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company Rs 1.61 billion, while Lahore Electric Supply Company faced losses of Rs 1.35 billion in two years.

The report further criticized power distribution companies for failing to take effective legal and departmental action against those involved in electricity theft.