Islamabad, Jan 6: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a thorough investigation into multiple issues plaguing the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO). The investigation will focus on concerns including the reinstatement of 12 officers with alleged corruption histories, accusations of overbilling, unauthorized involvement of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and other operational irregularities. Sources have indicated that the Prime Minister’s Office has directed that a comprehensive report be submitted within the next 10 days.
A notification from the PM’s Office outlines the formation of a special committee tasked with addressing these issues. The committee will consist of Shahid Khan, a former federal secretary, the secretary of the Power Division, a member from LESCO’s Board of Directors (HR Committee), and a representative from the Intelligence Bureau.
The committee’s mandate includes several key responsibilities: investigating the reinstatement of allegedly corrupt officers and the justification behind their return, probing illegal electrification in the Khayaban-e-Ameen housing scheme, reviewing procurement irregularities involving Hitachi circuit breakers, and analyzing financial and procedural breaches linked to overbilling cases in June 2024. Furthermore, the committee will scrutinize the FIA’s involvement in LESCO-related cases and assess corruption allegations against the company’s current CEO.
An official familiar with the reinstatement issue stated that the officers had resumed their duties after previous investigations found no substantial evidence against them. The reinstatement process, according to the official, adhered to the proper rules and received the necessary approvals.
