Commissioner Directs Action Against Electricity Thieves, Teams Formed For Raids
Peshawar, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 17th Aug, 2026) An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner Peshawar Division, Riaz Khan Mehsud, regarding providing relief to the public in electricity load shedding.
During the meeting, the Commissioner directed for effective action against electricity theft and Kanda mafia, recovery of dues, and installation of electricity meters. All Deputy Commissioners of Peshawar Division, Superintending Engineer PESCO, and all Exens PESCO attended the gathering.
After a detailed discussion on various proposals to address public issues and improve the electricity system, it was decided that load shedding would be done at the transformer level instead of the feeder level. The aim is to ensure that responsible consumers who regularly pay their bills are not affected by areas suffering from electricity theft or non-payment of dues.
According to the plan, areas connected to transformers with no history of theft and regular bill payments will be exempted from load shedding as much as possible, while other transformers will face shedding based on the level of electricity theft and unpaid dues. This approach aims to directly benefit consumers who do not steal power and pay their bills promptly.
The Commissioner Peshawar Division stated that this system will initially be trialed in different areas of Charsadda, including Matni and Chamkani, and other selected sites. After reviewing these pilot areas, the method might be expanded to a broader scope.
The meeting further resolved to establish special teams under the leadership of Assistant Commissioners in all districts of Peshawar Division to combat electricity theft, Kanda mafia, and major defaulters. These teams will comprise PESCO officers and officials, police, members of the provincial assembly, former local government representatives, concerned tehsildars, gurdwaras, and patwaris. The special units will commence their operations against electricity thieves and significant defaulters from Tuesday.
Addressing the meeting, Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud instructed the relevant officers to utilize all available resources for eradicating electricity theft, taking stringent action against the Kanda mafia, recovering unpaid electricity dues, and installing meters. He also emphasized stronger communication between PESCO and district administrations.
The Commissioner Peshawar Division stressed that providing maximum relief to the public during power load shedding is a top priority, and measures should be avoided that could cause unnecessary public hardship or protests. He directed PESCO officials to promptly address concerns.
