The ongoing issue of power load shedding in Pakistan has taken a legal turn as the Supreme Court (SC) has made a pivotal decision, setting aside the order issued by the Peshawar High Court (PHC) regarding this matter. The PHC had previously ordered the Peshawar Electric Power Supply Company (PESCO) to ensure uninterrupted power supply to consumers who faithfully pay their monthly electricity bills.
PESCO's Move to the Supreme Court
Following the PHC's directive, PESCO decided to challenge the decision and took its case to the Supreme Court. PESCO's plea outlined its concerns with the PHC's ruling, which not only called for uninterrupted power supply but also suggested registering cases against officials in the event of load shedding. PESCO contended that such a one-sided approach was unjustified, particularly considering the widespread issue of power outages across the country.Supreme Court's Verdict
A three-member bench, presided over by Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, convened to review PESCO's plea. The Supreme Court bench, in its ruling, termed the PHC's decision as being in contravention of the law. It directed affected individuals to channel their concerns to the National Electronic Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) instead. The court emphasized that, as per the law, NEPRA and its tribunals have the jurisdiction to hear complaints and appeals against the power distribution companies (DISCOs). Therefore, the high court's issuance of a verdict on the matter was deemed to be outside its purview.Government's Efforts Against Power Theft
It's important to note that the caretaker government in Pakistan has initiated a nation-wide crackdown on power theft. The primary goal of these efforts is to mitigate losses in the power sector and, in turn, alleviate the circular debt issue. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has consistently stressed the importance of reducing circular debt in the power sector as part of its economic recommendations for Pakistan.The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant development in the ongoing struggle to address power load shedding in Pakistan. By asserting that NEPRA and its tribunals are the rightful authorities to handle disputes related to DISCOs, the court has clarified the legal framework for such matters. As the country continues to grapple with power challenges, legal proceedings like these play a critical role in shaping the future of Pakistan's energy landscape.
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