The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has intensified its crackdown on electricity theft and unpaid bills across Dera Ismail Khan, disconnecting five transformers, removing four and arresting two people during operations conducted on November 2.
The campaign was carried out under the supervision of SE PESCO Dera Circle Engineer Hizbullah Mehsud in coordination with the District Joint Task Force. Authorities also removed 25 illegal direct electricity connections and recovered Rs540,000 during the operations.
According to PESCO, 12 illegal direct connections were removed from Faqirabad, which falls under the 11 KV Cantt One Feeder of Cantt Sub Division. Illegal electricity connections were also detected at New Royal Guest House, CRH and other locations in TMA Market. Two individuals associated with a milk shop and a sheesha club were arrested and handed over to Cantt Police for further legal proceedings.
Transformers Disconnected Over Outstanding Dues
On the Sheikh Yousaf One Feeder, electricity connections to two 100 KVA transformers in Farooq-e-Azam Town and Ratta Kulachi were disconnected over outstanding dues of Rs1.9 million and Rs1.14 million, respectively.
A 100 KVA transformer on the Sheikh Yousaf Two Feeder was also disconnected over unpaid dues of Rs1.15 million.
In Paharpur Sub-Division, PESCO removed a 200 KVA transformer belonging to Abdul Latif Crush Plant in Kotla Lodhiyaan over outstanding dues of Rs1.8 million. Another 50 KVA transformer was removed from a consumer’s premises due to unpaid bills amounting to Rs500,000. The operation also resulted in the recovery of Rs320,000.
Operations in City and Rural Sub-Divisions
In City One Sub-Division of PESCO City Division, two Electricity Removal Orders (EROs) were executed against a 200 KVA transformer on the 11 KV Muslim Bazaar Feeder. The cases involved outstanding dues of Rs700,000.
Four illegal electricity connections were also removed, while Rs60,000 was recovered during the operation.
In Rural Sub-Division, two transformers — a 25 KVA unit in Mahmood City and a 50 KVA unit in Khan Valley — were removed from the 11 KV Anjumabad Feeder after being found operating entirely through direct hooks. An additional Rs160,000 was recovered.
Seven Cases Sent to Police
SE PESCO Dera Circle Engineer Hizbullah Mehsud said the district-wide operation resulted in the disconnection of five transformers, removal of four transformers, elimination of 25 illegal connections and arrest of two individuals.
He added that official correspondence and relevant documents had been submitted to police for the registration of seven cases. The total amount recovered during the crackdown was Rs540,000.
PESCO Line Worker Seriously Injured in Proa
In a separate incident, PESCO line worker Umar Farooq sustained serious electric shock injuries while repairing a transformer in Proa after the electricity supply was unexpectedly restored during maintenance work.
Farooq, who belongs to PESCO Rural Sub-Division and is a resident of Proa, was immediately shifted to Civil Hospital Dera Ismail Khan for treatment.
XEN PESCO City Division Engineer Sanaullah Khan, SDO Rural Sub-Division Shoaib Kundi and representatives of the WAPDA Hydro Labour Union were also present at the hospital.
After receiving initial medical treatment, the injured worker was referred to Peshawar for further medical care.