The Ministry of the Interior has submitted a written report in the National Assembly on Thursday detailing the current state of electricity theft and overbilling issues across the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
As part of the campaign against electricity theft, the FIA has conducted 14,859 raids since March 16, 2024. So far, 1,350 inquiries and 1,836 cases have been registered. This has resulted in the arrest of 971 suspects and the recovery of over four billion rupees.
Investigations of electricity distribution companies have revealed that, since April 1, 2024, 1389 officers and officials have been found involved in corruption. As part of the effort to stamp the issue out at the roots, 736 inquiries and 193 cases have been registered which have resulted in 261 arrests.
Additionally, 109 inquiries and 44 cases have been registered as part of the crackdown on overbilling which has impacted some 1.10 billion units across the country.
Cybercrime Authority performance lauded
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has expressed satisfaction over the performance of National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority in dealing with cybercrime related incidents.
He told the National Assembly during question hour on Thursday that the appointment of the director general of the authority has been made. He said about 500 employees are currently working in it and a proposal has been moved to recruit more people in it.
Talal Chaudhry also stated that action has been taken against FIA officials involved in misconduct. He said that 51 FIA staff members have been dismissed over the past two years.
The National Assembly passed "Off the Grid Captive Power Plants Levy Bill". It was moved by Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik.
Responding to a point of order raised by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi said concrete steps are being taken to reclaim encroached railway land across the country.
He said the government is actively pursuing the revival of old railway routes, particularly Rawalpindi-Chakwal Line saying this will also help promote tourism.
Resolution condemns India
The National Assembly also passed a resolution urging the government to take immediate steps to condemn India’s unlawful and unilateral declaration to holding Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
The resolution, moved by Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, said it is a blatant violation of the treaty which clearly amounts to an act of war.
No illegal occupation of railway land
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi assured the National Assembly that in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives, not a single inch of Pakistan Railways land will remain under illegal occupation.
Responding to a point of order raised by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, the minister said that concrete steps are being taken to reclaim encroached railway land across the country.
He said that the government is actively pursuing the revival of historic railway routes, particularly the Rawalpindi-Chakwal line, which was highlighted by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.
Hanif Abbasi said that several passenger trains have already been restored on different routes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing public transport and promoting tourism through railway development.
39 cases of Hajj pilgrims
The National Assembly was informed that 39 cases of intending Hajj pilgrims who were unable to perform the pilgrimage due to illness have been accommodated by replacing them with other willing individuals.
During the session, Parliamentary Secretary for Religious Affairs Shamsher Ali Mazari responded to a calling attention notice raised by MNA Shagufta Jumani and others regarding alleged injustices faced by pilgrims and their replacements.
Mazari stated that all 39 cases were resolved on the basis of blood relations, ensuring that the replacements were close family members. However, Jumani claimed that in such cases, additional charges of up to PKR 700,000 were being demanded from pilgrims.
The parliamentary secretary assured the house that proper meals and other facilities were being provided to all pilgrims.
He also confirmed that a complete list of the 39 accommodated individuals was available for transparency.
Responding to supplementary questions, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the government was ready to assist any other sick pilgrims who may need support.
He emphasized that food arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims followed a merit-based system in accordance with Saudi laws.
“The tendering process for food supply is conducted as per Saudi regulations, and a nine-member pre-procurement committee oversees the process,” Yousaf said.
He urged that any complaints be formally reported, adding that daily coordination with the Hajj mission ensured continuous monitoring of pilgrims’ well-being.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating pilgrims and addressing any grievances promptly.
The House has now been prorogued.
Reporter Rozina Ali