998 power pilferers so far nabbed during March

SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Mar, 2026) Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has intensified its crackdown against electricity theft, nabbing 988 power pilferers in Sargodha Circle since March 1, 2026.

According to a FESCO spokesman, enforcement operations were underway across all sub-divisional offices of the Sargodha Circle. The ongoing anti-theft campaign resulted in the detection of 988 offenders, who have been charged with penalties exceeding Rs 22 billion on more than 128 million detection units. Recoveries of over Rs 5 billion have already been made.

The spokesman said the accused were involved in various illegal practices, including direct connections, shunt systems, meter tampering, slowing of meters, and other methods of electricity theft.

Providing a breakdown, he said the cases included 33 domestic, 101 commercial, 42 agricultural, and 22 industrial connections. Applications have been filed for registration of cases against 66 offenders, while 24 cases have already been registered under the amended Electricity Theft Act.

So far, 57 accused have been taken into custody.

He further stated that over the past two months, 3,687 offenders in Sargodha Circle were charged for more than 8.834 million units, with fines exceeding Rs 446.7 million. In Mianwali Circle, 5,872 power thieves were penalized for over 10.9 million detection units, with fines surpassing Rs 544.4 million.

The spokesman reiterated that a zero-tolerance policy is being enforced across the region, with strict and indiscriminate action against electricity theft. Terming power theft a national crime, he emphasized that the operation would continue until all offenders are brought to justice.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to electricity theft through the FESCO helpline or contact numbers printed on electricity bills, stressing that collective efforts are essential to eliminate the menace.