LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has accused Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) officials of corruption, bribery and harassment, alleging that consumers were being forced to pay hefty bribes and contribute funds for the repair of transformers.
Addressing a press conference at the Punjab Assembly on Friday, he alleged that LESCO officials demanded Rs150,000 to Rs200,000 in bribes but failed to resolve consumers’ complaints. He further claimed that residents were being forced to pay between Rs150,000 and Rs500,000 for the repair or replacement of faulty transformers, compelling poor people to collect donations.
The speaker said several areas, including Khudian and Kanganpur in Kasur district, were facing up to eight hours of load shedding. Despite complaints about exposed electricity wires for six months, a child had suffered burn injuries from an electric shock, he added.
He alleged that entire villages were being deprived of electricity over accusations of power theft, while illegal connections were allegedly installed with the connivance of LESCO officials.
Malik announced that a committee would be constituted to investigate the allegations against the LESCO officials and that evidence gathered during the inquiry would be forwarded to the prime minister. He added that action would also be initiated against officials who failed to appear before the relevant forum.
“Addressing the problems of people in my constituency was my top priority, and the action against alleged corruption could not be termed political interference,” he remarked.
The Speaker also criticised what he described as attempts by political groups to attack federal institutions, saying such actions were contrary to the constitution and norms of political activity.
Referring to incidents since 2014, he alleged that political groups had on five occasions resorted to such mobilisation, including the siege of the Prime Minister’s House, Pakistan Television (PTV) and the Supreme Court in Islamabad.
He also referred to the May 9 incidents, alleging that 29 cantonments, the Mianwali airbase and offices of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were targeted or damaged.
Malik said armed groups had repeatedly moved towards the federal capital from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing damage to the economy and disrupting life in Islamabad. He warned that any renewed attempt to mobilise groups towards Islamabad could have consequences similar to those witnessed on May 9.
He said the Constitution did not permit such actions and called for accountability of those allegedly behind such groups.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026