The Senate Standing Committee on Energy has recommended seeking the help of prayer leaders to curb electricity theft across the country.
A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy headed by Senator Nauman Wazir prepared a proposal to curb electricity theft across the country.
As per the recommendations, the prayer leaders will be asked to issue a fatwa (religious decree) against electricity theft and declare it ‘haram’ (illegal).
The proposal stated that the mosques which will announce fatwa against the use of stolen electricity will be given the first 400 units of electricity free each month.
Senator Wazir further said, “The prayer leaders will issue fatwa highlighting the repercussions of using stolen electricity in daily life.”
Last month, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) announced to conduct a major crackdown against electricity theft.
In addition to the crackdown against electricity theft, the ECC also agreed to disconnect all illegal electricity connections within three months. A decision to install prepaid electric meters was also taken.
The committee also resolved to take immediate action against power-sector defaulters including all ministries and government departments.
Published in Daily Times, October 4th 2018.
