FAISALABAD:Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh said that a comprehensive strategy had been evolved to nab electricity theft and the people could inform about power pilferage through helpline number 1718 and toll-free number 0800-00081 to curb this national crime.
Presiding over the first meeting of District Enforcement Committee for Anti Power Theft, he said that power pilferers were not only causing colossal loss to the national kitty but they were also creating numerous problems for the electricity consumers.
Therefore, the district administration in collaboration with Faisalabad Electric Supply Company, police and other departments had chalked out a solid plan to take strict action against the power pilferers without any discrimination, he added.
He said that special committees had also been formed at Tehsil Level to arrest power theft and Assistant Commissioners would supervise these committees.
He directed the District Enforcement Committee for Anti Power Theft to launch a vigorous campaign against the power pilferage and directly monitor their drive as well as performance of Tehsil level committees so that this societal evil could be weed out from the society at early as possible.
He further said that a District Emergency Operational Center had also been set up where representatives of FESCO, Police and other departments would remain present round the clock and the citizens could get their complaints lodged against power pilferers. The name of information providers would be kept in secrecy, he assured.
FESCO spokesperson Umar Hayat Gondal informed the meeting that FESCO had activated special teams against power theft. These teams were thoroughly checking the electricity lines and meter connections.
These teams had unearthed 193 power theft cases during last 3 days and removed electricity supply meters of the accused besides imposing heavy fines in the shape of detection bills.
City Police Officer (CPO) Usman Akram Gondal said that the police would also take stern action against power pilferers. However, the FESCO authority should appoint a focal person at police station level besides submitting case properties while getting complaints lodged against power pilferers.
Power theft was a national crime and the elements involved in this mal-practice would be dealt with an iron hand, he added.
Additional Deputy Commissioners Kashif Raza Awan, Samina Saif Niazi, assistant commissioners and others were also present on the occasion.