ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday promulgated an ordinance declaring theft of electricity a cognisable offence.
Through the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance, 2023, the president amended the Section 462 (O) of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860.
According to a President’s House statement, the power distribution companies were earlier facing difficulties in the registration of FIRs against power pilferers.
However, under the new ordinance, the incidents of electricity theft will be a cognisable offence.
After the promulgation of the ordinance, theft of electricity will be a cognisable offence not only on the complaint of officers of grade 17 or above, but also of the nominees of CEOs of power distribution companies.
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The president issued the ordinance under Article 89-1 of the constitution.
The said ordinance will help curb power theft in the energy sector worth around Rs 590 billion.
