PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is losing billions to unchecked electricity theft, placing a massive burden on the national exchequer.
According to an 11-month performance report by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), the province recorded overall losses of 36.69 percent, resulting in a financial setback of Rs193.4 billion. Electricity theft and technical losses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are causing a loss of Rs17.5 billion every month, which translates to around Rs583 million per day.
Bannu recorded highest losses at 73.86 percent, making it worst-performing district in terms of electricity theft and system losses.
Meanwhile, Peshawar, although lower in percentage, reported highest financial loss of Rs51,440.40 million.
The report said Bannu recorded 73.86 percent losses with Rs 11,739.35 million, Tank 66.19pc, Rs2,229.24 million, Karak 65.24pc with monetary losses of Rs 3,363.40 million.
Charsadda 62.45 percent losses with Rs12,734.74 million, Upper Kohistan/Kolai Palas 60.89pc, Rs348.17 million, Lakki Marwat 59.16pc, Rs3,529.30 million, DI Khan 57.94pc losses with financial damage of Rs12,314.00 million.
Likewise, Shangla recorded 50.72pc losses with Rs1,572.48 million, Kohat 45.04pc, Rs 9,269.33 million, Mardan 44.92pc losses, Rs 16,889.19 million, Hangu 44.23pc, Rs3,327.71 million.
The report said Nowshera had 38.93pc losses, Rs13,274.45 million, Upper Dir 39.75pc, Rs2,781.07 million. Peshawar recorded 37.78pc losses, but topped in financial loss with Rs51,440.40 million.
Torghar reported 35.21pc losses, Rs214.54 million, Swabi 34.10pc, Rs10868.35 million and Buner 32.19pc, Rs4,268.79 million.
Similarly, Lower Dir 28.83pc losses, Rs 4,067.62 million, Malakand 27.54pc, Rs 3,613.90 million, Swat 27.10 losses, Rs6,320.01 million, Abbottabad 20.20pc losses, Chitral 17.10pc, Rs 1,237.28 million, Mansehra 15.07pc Rs 7,452.39 million.
The report revealed
Battagram recorded 13.51
percent losses, Rs1,982.33 million, and Haripur 11.22 percent, Rs5,336.89 million, the
lowest loss to national exchequer.
PESCO officials blame political interference, non-cooperation from local authorities and outdated infrastructure for the crisis. “We cannot control what we can’t police”, said one senior officer, requesting anonymity.