PM Shehbaz orders reduction in loadshedding amid rising summer temperatures

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed for a reduction in power loadshedding across Pakistan amid the rising temperatures of the summer season. In an effort to facilitate consumers and ensure timely resolution of complaints regarding power outages, the premier instructed power distribution companies to establish an effective and active complaint registration system.

During a meeting held in Islamabad to discuss loadshedding, the anti-power theft campaign, and reforms in the power sector, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the need for the purchase of new transformers that meet international standards. He also highlighted the importance of adopting contemporary global practices to bring about reforms in the energy sector. The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Energy Awais Leghari, Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik, PM’s Coordinator Rana Ahsan Afzal, and senior officials from the relevant ministries.

The prime minister called on provincial governments to fully support the anti-power theft drive and ensure exemplary punishment for those involved in power theft. Additionally, he directed an end to overbilling in the country.

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed that, as of May 30, 134 cases had been registered and a total of 90 employees had been arrested. There was also a discussion on the reorganization of the National Transmission and Dispatch Company and the progress made in this regard.

Under the energy sector reforms, a project to meter a total of 124,611 transformers has been included in the upcoming development budget. Furthermore, with the cooperation of the Asian Development Bank, one-third of the power consumers of IESCO are being shifted to smart meters, with plans to expand this initiative to other areas of the country later on.

The meeting also reviewed the demand and supply of power and the causes of loadshedding. It was noted that areas with better recovery rates are free from loadshedding, while power cuts are implemented in defaulted departments and areas with high rates of power theft. The prime minister was informed about the progress of the anti-power theft campaign, which has been successfully carried out with the support of provincial governments. Since September 7, 2023, a total of 160,004 FIRs have been registered, 79,885 people have been arrested, and 448 employees have been suspended as part of this campaign.