A senior officer of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has been suspended following allegations of bribery linked to the repair of a damaged electricity transformer in Punjab.
According to reports, Executive Engineer (XEN) Ahmad Faraz was suspended on Monday on charges related to negligence. The action comes as authorities continue investigating allegations of misconduct within the power distribution company.
The latest development follows the earlier suspension of three officials from LESCO‘s Rural Pattoki division after complaints regarding their conduct surfaced. The case has attracted significant public attention and prompted a wider inquiry into the utility’s operations.
The controversy began when Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif raised concerns on social media. He alleged that LESCO employees collected Rs80,000 from residents to repair a damaged transformer but failed to provide any official receipt for the payment.
According to the minister, the complaint originated from Dholan Chak 27, a village near Pattoki where one of his domestic employees lives. The transformer had reportedly caught fire and required urgent repair.
Khawaja Asif stated that he personally contacted the LESCO chief executive and requested assistance for the affected village. However, he later learned that residents were allegedly asked to pay Rs80,000 for the repair work.
In his social media post, the minister questioned how such a payment could be collected without proper documentation. He also expressed concern that if such treatment could occur despite his position, ordinary citizens might face even greater difficulties.
Following the allegations, Federal Power Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari confirmed that action had already been taken against officials connected to the case. He thanked Khawaja Asif for highlighting the matter and said the government remains committed to transparency and accountability.
Leghari said questions raised within the government should be addressed openly to improve public services and strengthen institutional performance.
The LESCO Board also took immediate notice of the allegations and ordered a high-level investigation. Officials said the inquiry would examine the role of all individuals linked to the incident, including senior management.
In a statement, the board described the alleged demand for money as a troubling example of corruption and inefficiency. It emphasized that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any employee found responsible for misconduct.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly and transparently. The case has also renewed discussions about accountability and service standards within Pakistan’s electricity distribution sector.
In other news read more about: Khawaja Asif Criticizes LESCO Over Rs80,000 Transformer Repair Charge
As the inquiry continues, officials say all facts will be reviewed before final decisions are made regarding those involved in the alleged Rs80,000 transformer repair payment.
