ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday promulgated an ordinance declaring theft of electricity a cognisable offence. Through the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance, 2023, the president amended the Section 462 (O) of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860. According to a President’s House statement, the power distribution companies were earlier facing difficulties in the registration of FIRs against power pilferers. However, under the new ordinance, the incidents of electricity theft will be a cognisable offence. After the promulgation of the ordinance, theft of electricity will be a cognisable offence not only on the complaint of officers of grade 17 or above, but also of the nominees of CEOs of power distribution companies. DNA
