Federal Power Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said strict action had been taken against officials of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) following allegations that Rs80,000 was taken for the repair of a transformer, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday.
The issue surfaced after Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif raised the matter on social media, alleging that money had been taken to resolve an electricity-related problem.
میرے گھریلو ملازم کے گاؤں میں ٹرانسفارمر کل جل گیا۔ لیسکو کے ایک پرانے مہربان ceo کو فون کیا کے کسی کو فون کریں اور مہربانی فرمائیں ۔ ملازمین نے ٹرانسفارمر مرمت کردیا اور 80000روپے لیے اور مرمت کردیا۔ گاؤں والوں نے چندہ جمع کرکے لیسکو کے ملازمین کو ادا کردیا۔ رسید کسی نے نہیں دی۔…
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) May 30, 2026
Responding to the controversy, Leghari said he was grateful to Khawaja Asif for bringing the matter to public attention, describing the development as part of the government's accountability process.
“We are committed to fairness and self-accountability. Questions are raised even from within our own cabinet and government, and we provide answers to improve our performance,” he said.
His remarks came after the LESCO Board ordered a high-level inquiry into the allegations and warned that strict action would be taken if any officials or members of the utility's management were found involved in corruption or misconduct.
The case has sparked renewed debate over accountability and service standards within Pakistan’s power distribution companies, with authorities promising a thorough investigation into the allegations.
In a statement, the LESCO Board said it had taken immediate notice of the minister’s post and described the alleged demand for money, despite the intervention of a federal minister, as a troubling example of corruption and deep-rooted inefficiencies within the power utility's system.
The board said a comprehensive inquiry would be conducted and that all officials linked to the matter, including the chief executive officer of LESCO, would be questioned as part of the investigation.
It added that strict disciplinary action would be taken if any member of the utility’s management or staff is found responsible for wrongdoing.
“The allegation that a transformer was replaced after the payment of Rs80,000 is deeply concerning and reflects the kind of practices that undermine public trust,” the board said.