The newly included Criminal Offence would help in reducing electricity theft countrywide – KE Spokesperson
Karachi, 11th March 2016: K-Electric in its press statement has welcomed the new Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2016 after the Government of Pakistan passed the official Gazette in February this year. This Act after becoming a part of the Pakistan Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code would definitely help in reducing electricity theft or illegal usage of electricity, not only in Karachi but the rest of the country as well.
K-Electric’s Spokesperson said that theft and illegal usage has been well-defined in this Act and as per the new law, theft of electricity, tampering with meters or wires, disrupting supply of electricity and illegal transmission of electric power services have been deemed as a criminal act and the punishment would involve rigorous imprisonment which may extend to up to 7 years, or with a fine which may extend to 1 Crore Rupees. In some cases both punishments would be applicable as well.
Press statement added that the power utility through its endless Anti-Theft Campaigns such as Operation Burq faces resistance from such consumers on almost a daily basis, but this Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2016 would instill responsibility and strike fear in chronic defaulters and electricity thieves which would help KE curb its losses and provide smoother uninterrupted supply of electricity to its consumers.