LAHORE: A Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) lineman was seriously injured in an alleged armed attack during a crackdown on electricity theft and defaulters in the Mianwali Basti area of Chuhng, highlighting growing security concerns for field staff engaged in the recovery of outstanding electricity bills and detection of power theft.
According to the LESCO authorities, the incident occurred when a team from the Chuhng Sub-Division, led by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Chaudhry Muhammad Shahbaz, reached the area to initiate legal action against an alleged electricity thief and defaulter identified as Billa Maqsood Jutt, who reportedly owed around Rs300,000 to the company.
The operation was being conducted under the supervision of Superintending Engineer (SE), Central Circle, Sana Muhammad Gujjar, and the concerned Executive Engineer (XEN).
The authorities said that the suspect allegedly launched an attack on the lineman with the assistance of other individuals. The attackers reportedly struck the employee on the head with an ice pick, leaving him seriously injured and bleeding heavily. The LESCO authorities took immediate notice of the incident and initiated legal proceedings against the alleged attackers.
The incident marks the second reported attack on LESCO personnel within a week during operations against electricity theft and defaulters.
On October 20, members of the company’s anti-electricity-theft squad were also reportedly attacked in District Kasur, leaving several team members injured. The repeated incidents have raised concerns about the safety of field personnel carrying out official duties to curb electricity theft and recover outstanding dues.
The LESCO chief executive officer has made it clear that attacks on field staff will not be tolerated and that legal action will be pursued against those responsible.
The company has also reiterated its commitment to continuing indiscriminate operations against electricity theft and defaulters, adding that legal measures to recover outstanding public dues would be further strengthened.
The LESCO maintains that action against electricity theft and non-payment of bills will continue, while incidents of violence against its employees will be dealt with through the relevant legal channels.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026