LAHORE: Power Minister Awais Leghari has announced strict action against a Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) official following allegations of corruption highlighted by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The incident has sparked fresh debate over transparency, accountability, and corruption within Pakistan’s electricity distribution companies.
The controversy began when Khawaja Asif shared details of an alleged corruption case involving a transformer repair in the village of one of his domestic employees. According to the minister, villagers were asked to pay Rs80,000 to Lesco employees for repairing a faulty transformer. He claimed that residents collected donations to arrange the amount, but no official receipt was issued for the payment.
In a social media post, Asif expressed concern about the challenges faced by ordinary consumers if such practices could occur despite the intervention of a senior cabinet member and former power minister. His remarks quickly gained attention, raising questions about service delivery and financial accountability in the power sector.
Responding to the allegations during a press conference in Islamabad, Power Minister Awais Leghari said the government views public criticism as part of an effective accountability process. He revealed that strict action had already been taken against the relevant Lesco line superintendent identified in the complaint.
Leghari stated that the government is committed to addressing public concerns and improving the performance of power distribution companies. He emphasized that elected representatives have a responsibility to highlight issues faced by citizens and that the ministry welcomes scrutiny aimed at improving governance.
The minister further described Khawaja Asif’s statement as an example of self-accountability within the government. He noted that even concerns raised by cabinet members are investigated and addressed openly, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and public service.
Acknowledging ongoing issues within electricity distribution companies, commonly known as Discos, Leghari admitted that corruption does exist in certain areas of the system. However, he argued that the overall level of corruption is limited and estimated its prevalence at around 10 to 15 percent.
The power minister also highlighted the existence of a complaint management system designed to help consumers report misconduct and service-related issues. He assured the public that efforts are underway to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, improve accountability, and enhance consumer protection across Pakistan’s energy sector.
The latest development underscores the government's continued focus on tackling corruption and restoring public confidence in electricity service providers throughout the country.
