Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, issued strict directions on Wednesday to all power distribution companies (DISCOs) across Pakistan to initiate immediate disciplinary proceedings against their worst-performing Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and Executive Engineers (XENs).
As per a press statement, Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) have become the first DISCOs to initiate immediate disciplinary action — including suspension — against their worst-performing officers on account of failure in the resolution of consumer complaints registered through the national 118 Call Centre system (CCMS PLUS).
“All remaining DISCOs across Pakistan are in the process of initiating similar action against their respective worst-performing officers,” the statement added.
Leghari expressed grave disappointment over the failure of the identified officers to fulfil their primary duty of ensuring the timely redressal of consumer complaints.
“The 118 call centre platform was established specifically to bridge the gap between citizens and electricity service providers, and that any officer treating this system with indifference is directly undermining the government’s commitment to consumer welfare,” he said.
The minister was referring to Customer Complaint Management System (CCMS PLUS) — Pakistan’s national 118 call centre — covering the period from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Moreover, the minister directed that disciplinary proceedings — including suspension where warranted — be initiated against all identified officers without delay and concluded in a time-bound manner in accordance with the applicable service rules.
PESCO suspended 3 SDOs and 1 XEN with immediate effect on account of misconduct, citing failure to meet prescribed performance targets as reflected in CCMS data.
The suspended SDOs — presently working in Gulberg, Shahi Bagh, and Sethi Town/Dalazak Sub-Divisions under Peshawar Circle — were attached with the General Manager (Operation) PESCO HQ for regular attendance.
“The suspended XEN, posted at Mardan-I Division, was attached to the Superintending Engineer (Operation) Mardan Circle. Additionally, the XEN (Operation) Swabi-I Division has been placed under suspension on account of misconduct and attached with the Superintending Engineer (Operation) Peshawar Circle,” the press release said.
Whereas, SEPCO suspended 1 SDO and 1 XEN (former) with immediate effect on account of misconduct as the worst performers in the resolution of complaints at 118. Sajjad Ali Memon, SDO Operation Sub-Division Rohri, and Mairajuddin Shaikh, the then Executive Engineer (Ops) Division Sukkur — currently serving as Executive Engineer Construction Division Sukkur — were attached with SEPCO Headquarters for marking attendance.
The accountability drive is not limited to PESCO and SEPCO. All other DISCOs — including LESCO, GEPCO, FESCO, IESCO, MEPCO, HAZECO, HESCO, QESCO, and TESCO — are in the process of initiating disciplinary proceedings against their respective worst-performing officers identified through CCMS PLUS data, the press release said.
READ MORE: Discos from SPPs and CPPs: Leghari takes notice of electricity procurement
“Across these DISCOs, a combined over 100 SDOs and XENs have been identified as worst performers and are facing imminent departmental action, including show-cause notices, suspension, and transfer to non-operational postings.”
Moreover, Leghari directed all DISCOs to implement an enhanced weekly monitoring mechanism to track complaint resolution rates at both the sub-divisional and divisional levels. Officers who continue to demonstrate consistent failure in complaint management will face escalated actions, including suspension, transfer to non-operational postings, and compulsory retirement.
Leghari reiterated that the present government was fully and unequivocally committed to ensuring that every electricity consumer in Pakistan receives the timely, reliable, and respectful service they are entitled to.
“He emphasised that poor performance by field officers is not merely an administrative failure — it is a failure toward the citizens of Pakistan, and the government will not allow it to continue.
He made clear that officers found guilty of continued negligence will face escalated disciplinary actions, including suspension, transfer to non-sensitive postings, and compulsory retirement where warranted.”
Comments