The government's intensified crackdown against electricity theft continues to yield significant results, with over Rs2 billion recovered, and 261 individuals arrested across Pakistan in just a week.

This marks a decisive victory in the ongoing fight against energy theft, a major drain on the nation's resources.

From January 14 to 21, authorities collected a staggering Rs2.061 billion in fines and penalties from electricity thieves nationwide and arrested 261 of them.

#Crackdown on #ElectricityTheft persists! #Govt's decisive actions show results nationwide, with Rs 2.061 billion collected & 261 arrests from Jan 14-21.

Notably, Rs1.057 billion was reclaimed from key cities. #SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/efCtFI3sSP
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) January 24, 2024

The operation focused on five major cities: Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Multan, which collectively contributed Rs1.057 billion to the haul. In addition, 126 individuals were apprehended in Lahore alone, with further arrests made in Islamabad (7) and Multan (18).

Success extended beyond the core cities, with Peshawar seeing Rs0.417 billion recouped and 47 arrests. Even the newly merged districts chipped in a small, but valuable, Rs0.003 billion. Down south, Sindh also contributed, with Rs0.513 billion recovered from Hyderabad and Sukkur, where 60 people were apprehended. Additionally, Quetta yielded Rs0.071 billion.

These latest figures bring the total recovered since the crackdown began on September 1 to an impressive Rs66.091 billion. The number of arrests has also climbed to 39,089, demonstrating the government's unwavering commitment to curbing this illegal activity.

"The positive results of this operation are a testament to the government's unwavering resolve to combat electricity theft," declared a spokesperson for the relevant agencies. "We are determined to continue these efforts and bring an end to this scourge, ensuring fair and efficient power distribution for all Pakistanis."