LAHORE: The Punjab government has made a principled decision to make underground electrical installations mandatory in all new housing societies across Lahore.
The decision was taken during the third meeting of the Energy Department’s Steering Committee, chaired by provincial Energy Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar. During the meeting, participants reviewed the electricity distribution system in Lahore, potential safety hazards related to consumer installations, and the performance of three working groups formed to address these issues.
The meeting also discussed a comprehensive strategy to improve the system of electricity poles, meters, and wiring. It was proposed that electricity meters be installed in an organized manner within proper metal frames to enhance safety and management. The provincial minister directed the LESCO officials to immediately repair or straighten tilted and damaged electricity poles. He said the work should begin with major roads in Lahore, followed by important markets and commercial areas.
He further instructed that underground electrical installations must be made mandatory for all new housing societies. The minister emphasized the need to develop a master plan for electricity and communication networking in Lahore and the performance of all relevant departments are monitored daily.
The LESCO chief informed the meeting that a survey of 22 major markets in Lahore has been completed. He further stated that 33 major roads in the city have been identified for improvement work with a target of completing work on key roads within two months.
A representative from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) briefed the meeting that work on underground communication networks and cable trays is already underway in the city. The meeting was attended by Energy Secretary Dr Farrukh Naveed, Additional Secretary Majid Iqbal, and representatives from LESCO, WASA, LDA, local government, housing department, and PEMRA.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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