Islamabad
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive verification of employees in all power distribution companies (DISCOs) and introduce a fully digital payroll and salary payment system to eliminate ghost employees and financial irregularities.
The committee, chaired by Shahida Akhtar Ali, reviewed audit observations relating to the Power Division. The meeting was attended by Secretary Power Division, the Auditor General, chief executives of various DISCOs and other senior officials.
Audit officials informed the committee that electricity consumers had been refunded more than Rs47.81 billion following cases of incorrect meter readings and overbilling. The refunds were made to 278,649 consumers, with Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) accounting for Rs45.5 billion of the total amount.
The audit observed that overbilling and detection charges had been revised after complaints, while ineffective accountability mechanisms had allowed officials responsible for the irregularities to avoid disciplinary action. Committee members questioned whether consumers who had not lodged complaints had also received refunds.
Secretary Power Division informed the committee that Pakistan was moving towards large-scale installation of smart meters, adding that negotiations were under way with the World Bank and other stakeholders.
