Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive technical audit of the billing systems used by electricity distribution companies (Discos), calling power sector reform one of the government’s highest priorities.
Chairing a meeting on power sector reforms, the prime minister instructed the Power Division to carry out the audit and establish clear performance indicators for all distribution companies. He said each Disco should have measurable targets and implementation timelines to improve efficiency and accountability.
Shehbaz also emphasized the importance of strengthening efforts against electricity theft, directing officials to intensify enforcement measures across the country. He said the nationwide rollout of smart meters was essential to improving transparency, reducing losses, and modernizing Pakistan’s electricity distribution network.
To promote healthy competition among utilities, the prime minister announced that the best-performing distribution company would be recognized and rewarded based on its operational performance and service delivery.
During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that technical and commercial losses at distribution companies continued to decline during FY26. Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), and Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) recorded the lowest transmission and distribution losses.
Officials also reported that IESCO, LESCO, GEPCO, Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) achieved 100 percent bill recoveries during the fiscal year, reflecting improved financial performance across several major utilities.
The meeting was further informed that dedicated Disco Support Units have been established in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, Multan, and Hazara to combat electricity theft, improve bill recoveries, and resolve technical issues affecting consumers.
As part of the government’s broader modernization strategy, officials said the first phase of the Asset Performance Management System (APMS) at the transformer level is expected to be completed by September 30.
They also briefed the prime minister on a proposal to install approximately 16.2 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters across Multan, Lahore, Peshawar, Hazara, and Quetta. The smart metering initiative aims to improve billing accuracy, detect electricity theft more effectively, and provide consumers with more reliable electricity services.
The government says these reforms are part of a wider effort to improve the efficiency, transparency, and financial sustainability of Pakistan’s power sector while ensuring better service delivery for electricity consumers nationwide.
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