By J Malik
LAHORE: In a development that has sparked serious concern within the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), the company’s Engineers Association has lodged a strong protest following the registration of an FIR by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) against several LESCO officers who uncovered a significant electricity theft operation.
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According to sources, on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a nationwide anti-electricity theft campaign is being actively pursued. However, LESCO officials claim that efforts to curb power theft are being undermined when enforcement actions against influential industrial consumers result in backlash against the officers themselves.
The controversy arose after LESCO teams, acting on intelligence, conducted a raid at a flour mill on Multan Road, where a steel furnace was allegedly being operated inside the premises using illegal electricity connections. The operation was led by Shahpur Division XEN Muhammad Sana, M&T XEN Aamir Ikram, and SDO Shahpur. During the raid, two individuals were reportedly apprehended and confessed to the electricity theft, allegedly on the instructions of mill owner.
Following this, LESCO registered an FIR at the local police station and disconnected the illegal connection. A detection bill of Rs 20 million was issued based on the findings.
However, in a move that shocked LESCO staff, the FIA later registered a case against the same officers involved in the operation. LESCO Engineers Association alleges that the FIA action is unjustified and has demoralized officials engaged in critical anti-theft operations. The association claims that all relevant evidence and records were shared with FIA, yet the officers were made targets of legal action instead of the alleged perpetrators.
In protest, the Engineers Association has written an open letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, urging them to intervene and ensure fair treatment of LESCO personnel. They argue that instead of supporting the government’s campaign, certain quarters are exerting pressure on state employees to deter them from taking action against powerful individuals.
LESCO officials further allege that the mill owner has a history of electricity theft cases and is a defaulter of millions of rupees. They maintain that the case is being twisted to portray the accused as victims while vilifying the government’s own enforcement officers.
Speaking on behalf of the Engineers Association, Muhammad Sana, XEN Shahpur Division, said, “Our teams are risking their lives to enforce the law. Despite threats, we are continuing operations under the vision of our Chief Executive, Ramzan Butt. But if officers are punished for doing their duty, it sends a dangerous message.”
The Engineers Association has announced plans for a press conference in the coming days and is considering legal action to challenge the FIA FIR. They have warned that if the case is not withdrawn, they may halt operations in protest.
Meanwhile, when contacted for comments, FIA officials stated that Director Lahore has ordered an inquiry into the matter. They assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and no injustice will be done to any party.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions between federal enforcement agencies and power distribution companies engaged in the challenging task of reducing electricity theft. Both transparency and inter-agency coordination will be critical in upholding the integrity of anti-theft efforts while ensuring that lawful actions by state officials are not discouraged.
