Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced stringent measures against officials responsible for overcharging electricity consumers.

During a meeting in Islamabad on Saturday, attended by Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Leghari, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and other relevant officials, the Prime Minister directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to identify and suspend such officials.

He emphasised that these actions will not be tolerated, labelling the perpetrators as “enemies of the people.”

In the same session, the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) revealed that the circular debt in the power sector had soared to Rs2,655 billion by May 2024.

The committee, chaired by Prime Minister Sharif, approved the creation of a support unit aimed at enhancing the efficiency of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), curbing electricity theft, and ensuring timely bill collection.

This support unit, which will operate for two years after receiving federal cabinet approval, will begin its work with the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO).

The government’s initiatives aim to address systemic issues in the power sector, thereby alleviating financial pressures and improving service delivery.