The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other authorities have concluded their inquiry into the recent electricity overbilling issue, placing blame on officials from the power ministry. The comprehensive report has been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office for review and action.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the investigation report identifies power ministry officials as accountable for the overbilling and recommends stringent actions against those involved. The Prime Minister’s Office is anticipated to deliberate on the findings and initiate appropriate measures within the coming week.
In June, more than 0.3 million power consumers, previously categorized under protected status, faced inflated electricity bills due to a revised billing system introduced by Distribution Companies (DISCOs) under the Ministry of Energy’s directives. Protected consumers typically benefit from subsidized rates or exemptions from tariff increases.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, responding to public outcry, instructed the FIA on July 6 to launch a probe into DISCO officials responsible for overstating electricity usage on bills. He denounced these actions as anti-public and emphasized the need for swift punitive measures against those responsible.
Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi also took a stern stance, directing the FIA to compile data from all DISCOs regarding the treatment of protected consumers. Expressing concern over the inclusion of protected users in the non-protected category, Naqvi mandated FIA directors across Pakistan to gather evidence within three days.
The investigative effort intensified as FIA officials summoned key figures from the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), including its Chief Shahid Haider, along with officials from the energy ministry, to probe into the excessive billing practices. Additional directives were issued for FIA officials to expedite their findings and submit a detailed report to the Prime Minister promptly.
This development underscores growing public and governmental scrutiny over the fairness and transparency of electricity billing practices, highlighting the need for accountability and corrective measures within the power sector.
