ISLAMABAD: A large-scale power theft has been uncovered by Sar-e-Aam team in the Bhasin village near Batapur, Lahore, where electricity is being stolen openly at the home of the Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal, Sohail Shaukat Butt.
The power theft was exposed by the host of the program Iqrar ul Hassan, who revealed that stolen electricity was being used at Sohail Shaukat Butt’s residence and in his village. Iqrar contacted the provincial minister over the phone and informed him about the electricity theft happening at his house. In response, the minister pretended to be unaware, saying, “Oh, okay.”
The video footage clearly shows that a power hook-up (kunda) is going to the minister’s house, allowing stolen electricity to be used. Iqrar ul Hassan pointed out that when leaders themselves engage in power theft, it sets a bad example for others.
He expressed surprise that the minister’s large residence, which serves as both his residence and office, is using electricity through an illegal hook-up. Iqrar added that no officials from LESCO or the police had the courage to enter this village because anyone who dared to do so would be severely beaten. He mentioned that he and his team were also attacked with stones and sticks but managed to escape unharmed.
Iqrar ul Hassan criticised the situation, stating that while ordinary citizens are forced to sell their jewellery to pay electricity bills, elected officials like MPs and provincial ministers are blatantly involved in electricity theft. He lamented that the government was not taking any action against them, and no one was holding them accountable.
This revelation has raised serious questions about the government’s willingness to crack down on corruption and power theft at high levels, and it has sparked outrage among the public. –Agencies
