Discos’ CEOs told to give accurate data: Helpline ‘118’ launched for power-related issues

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Friday launched public helpline 118 to address electricity-related issues, asking the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of distribution companies (Discos) to ensure the provision of accurate data.

Through this helpline, consumers can register electricity-sector complaints free of cost, which will be tracked and traced through the system. Consumers will be able to file complaints directly rather than through a representative, and the service will support seven different languages. Once a complaint is resolved, the concerned consumer will receive an automated feedback call; if the issue remains unresolved, the complaint will automatically become active again.

Leghari said the new system will bring transparency and self-accountability to the power sector.

“If the Prime Minister, the field marshal, and previous governments had not supported us, we would not have achieved much. From today onward, every single instance of incompetence will come to light, and we will have to take responsibility for it,” he remarked.

He emphasized that once responsibility is established, the Power Division must take corrective action.

“Transparency is being ensured in the Power Division. Self-accountability is impossible unless we expose our own shortcomings. Through this helpline, mistakes at every level — even those made by line-men — will surface,” he said.

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The Minister added that relevant authorities must accept responsibility for their mistakes, calling the initiative the best way to end the recurring misery caused by unresolved complaints.

“At our political offices, we receive more electricity-related complaints than police matters. We are the public’s customer care — and who can serve them better than us? This initiative will impact all electricity consumers across the country,” he noted.

Leghari appealed to the CEOs to ensure the system’s success, adding that staff would be rewarded once the system proves effective.

“We rely on the Discos and their data. If the data is tampered with, this system will be useless. We must free the public from persistent issues,” he maintained.

He reiterated that uninterrupted power supply remains the government’s foremost priority. Every error, he said, will now be visible, and responsibility will rest with the officials concerned. He described the service as a critical step forward, one that will expose shortcomings without exception. Leghari also highlighted the continuing influence of recommendations, saying both he and his officials still receive such requests. However, under the new accountability system, these pressures will no longer determine outcomes.

“The Prime Minister aims to end the recommendation culture across all departments. SDOs and XENs must ensure that issues are resolved and do not linger,” he said. Leghari reaffirmed that the prime minister’s vision calls for the complete elimination of the recommendation culture throughout the government.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025