The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition filed by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) regarding the treatment of a nine-year-old girl who lost both hands in an electrical accident.
The court upheld the President of Pakistan’s decision directing the power company to cover the child’s medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses.
In its 11-page written judgment, the IHC ordered PESCO to arrange a comprehensive medical assessment for the girl, Lubaba. The assessment will take place at the Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM) in Rawalpindi.
Medical specialists will determine her current condition and future treatment requirements. The assessment will also identify suitable rehabilitation options to improve her quality of life.
PESCO Must Cover Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses
The court directed PESCO to pay all expenses related to Lubaba’s medical treatment and rehabilitation. This includes the provision of advanced prosthetic limbs to support her daily activities.
The judgment also addressed the possibility of treatment abroad. If suitable medical treatment or prosthetic facilities are not reasonably available in Pakistan, the authorities must consider options outside the country.
In such circumstances, PESCO will be responsible for the associated expenses.
The medical assessment will examine several treatment options. These include advanced prosthetic devices, reconstructive procedures, occupational therapy and other necessary medical interventions.
Psychological support may also be considered if specialists determine that it is clinically required.
Nine-Year-Old Girl Lost Both Hands in 2021 Accident
According to court records, Lubaba belongs to Village Pir Qilla in Tehsil Shabqadar, District Charsadda.
She suffered severe electrical burns while playing outside her home in July 2021. The incident involved an 11-kilovolt electricity line.
The injuries were serious, and she was taken to a hospital unconscious. Doctors provided emergency treatment, but both her hands eventually had to be amputated.
On February 16, 2022, the child’s relative, Shahid Ali, approached PESCO. He requested compensation for her injuries and medical expenses.
The company subsequently investigated the incident but disputed responsibility for the accident.
PESCO Disputed Responsibility for the Incident
During its inquiry, PESCO claimed the accident resulted from an illegal electricity connection. According to the company, the connection used direct hooks rather than involving a fallen electricity line.
The company also argued that illegal connections were common in the area. It maintained that the incident occurred within the family’s premises.
PESCO further cited the absence of an immediate police report and the delay in approaching the authorities. It also stated that no tripping incident had been recorded on the relevant electricity feeder.
These arguments formed part of the company’s position against accepting responsibility.
Wafaqi Mohtasib Accepted the Family’s Complaint
After PESCO disputed the claim, Lubaba’s family approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib. The family alleged negligence by the power company and sought compensation for the child’s injuries and medical expenses.
The Wafaqi Mohtasib reviewed the available medical records and the inquiry report submitted by PESCO.
On October 24, 2024, the office accepted the complaint. It advised the company to provide appropriate compensation under its applicable rules, regulations, procedures and policies.
The President’s Secretariat later issued directions regarding Lubaba’s treatment and rehabilitation. PESCO challenged those directions before the Islamabad High Court.
However, the IHC dismissed the company’s petition and upheld the directions concerning the child’s medical care.
Court Highlights Electricity Companies’ Safety Responsibilities
The court emphasised the importance of a detailed medical assessment to establish Lubaba’s rehabilitation needs.
It also highlighted the wider responsibilities of electricity distribution companies. These responsibilities extend beyond maintaining an uninterrupted power supply.
According to the court’s observations, protecting human life and following essential safety requirements are also important duties.
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The ruling maintains the requirement for PESCO to fund Lubaba’s treatment and rehabilitation. The medical assessment will help determine the appropriate care and support she needs now and in the future.
