Pakistan’s power industry has been plagued by electricity theft, leading to substantial financial losses, inefficiencies in the system, and widespread unhappiness among residents. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has acknowledged the seriousness of the problem and has emphasized his strong commitment to eradicating energy theft and implementing steps to reduce the load on the public. His comprehensive strategy tackles the underlying factors of the issue and strives to guarantee a dependable and equitable power supply across the nation.

During a recent discussion, the participants highlighted many factors that contribute to the inefficiency and increasing complaints in power load management and the prevention of energy theft. An important issue is the unlawful practice of intentionally cutting off power supply, known as illegal load shedding. This not only worsens the situation but also imposes penalties on law-abiding residents who consistently fulfill their payment obligations. The Prime Minister stressed the need to discontinue such actions and deliver assistance to the population.

The use of revolving credit for energy has significantly increased, leading to concerns over the acquisition of power from non-governmental power generation businesses, despite payments being paid in accordance with their production capacity. Moreover, the inequitable policy of punishing whole communities for the failure of a few people to pay their bills has resulted in heightened public dissatisfaction, particularly during times of extreme heat. The present billing processes are under attention, as some argue that energy tariffs are being determined without considering the buying power of individuals.

This disconnection emphasizes the need for fairer pricing and billing methods to regain confidence and adherence from customers.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given a series of instructions to address the problem of energy theft and enhance the power supply infrastructure. Firstly, he has ordered the eradication of unauthorized power outages, guaranteeing a continuous electricity supply to the population. Implementing this action is essential for maintaining public confidence and ensuring that individuals who adhere to payment requirements are not unjustly punished.

Furthermore, a rigorous operation targeting those engaged in energy theft will be pursued until it reaches its inevitable outcome. The Prime Minister unequivocally said that the government will take strong action against people and organizations involved in stealing, indicating a policy of zero tolerance. The campaign calls upon provincial governments and law enforcement agencies to provide complete assistance, guaranteeing a comprehensive and efficient crackdown on theft.

Ensuring that excessive charges are avoided is another crucial instruction. The Prime Minister has mandated that there must be no excessive invoicing for power. Implementing precise billing procedures can foster customer confidence and minimize occurrences of theft. The problem of over-billing has been a long-standing concern, resulting in widespread unhappiness and promoting a culture of non-compliance.

Through the act of addressing this issue, the government aims to foster a greater sense of responsibility among individuals, motivating them to fulfill their financial obligations quickly and precisely.

To enhance the efficiency of distribution firms, there will be an expedited implementation of privatization, along with the recruitment of professionals to guarantee superior management and operations. Privatization is seen to provide essential knowledge and enhance efficiency in a sector that has been hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and incompetence. The government intends to improve service delivery and operational efficiency by engaging commercial partners that have a demonstrated history of success.

The approved strategy, formulated by Federal Minister of Energy Owais Leghari and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur, would be executed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and then expanded to other provinces. This model seeks to rectify the existing circumstances around load shedding and bill payment, providing a detailed plan that can be duplicated across the whole country. Implementing the new strategy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would function as a trial project, showcasing the practicality and advantages of the method before expanding it to other areas.

To attain enduring enhancement in the electricity sector, the Prime Minister has underscored the need for both immediate and enduring strategies. These include the investigation of alternative energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, hydrowave energy, and Thar coal gas. These choices have been insufficiently used, and allocating resources to them may decrease reliance on conventional power sources and decrease energy expenses.

Ensuring a varied energy mix is essential for constructing a robust and environmentally friendly power industry.

Constructing minor dams has also been emphasized as a feasible approach. Although the construction of huge dams requires substantial time and financial resources, tiny dams might serve as a more economical option. These dams provide the dual purpose of water storage and energy generation, while also providing job possibilities. Allocating resources to small-scale infrastructure projects may provide immediate advantages and lay the groundwork for future bigger upgrades.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to personally assess the progress in combating energy theft monthly. The government’s high degree of engagement shows its commitment to addressing the problem and ensuring responsibility at every level. The Prime Minister’s goal is to guarantee the efficient implementation of programs and promptly remove any difficulties by actively participating in the process.