ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power, Omar Ayub Khan, while chairing a meeting at Power Division here Thursday, revealed his plan to launch comprehensive drive against power theft, to overcome inefficiency of the system, and maximize recovery without any delay.

During the meeting, the Minister said that the power theft has increased alarmingly high and previous governments failed to take concrete steps to eliminate menace of power theft which resulted hike in circular debt.

He said that present government is determined to curb menace of power theft on war footing and in this regard, task force for every province would be constituted in consultation with provincial governments which would provide political assistance and administrative support.

The assistance of law enforcing agencies for safeguarding staff and electricity installations during crackdown operation would be obtained and first information reports (FIRs) would be registered against pilferers as well as officials whose alleged involvement in facilitation of theft is proven, he told.

The Federal Minister would personally monitor the operation. He also directed the team of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) to furnish report on average unit losses on every feeder and verify the complaints of over-billing through spot checking.

He also directed the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of all Distributing Companies (DISCOs) to make their complaint centers more effective and result oriented.

The Minister emphasized that it was the vision of the present government to curb corruption within the system and he expected practical proof of the efforts of all CEOs in the fight against theft and corruption.