The government has intensified a crackdown on electricity thieves across the country and arrested many of them, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

In Kabirwala, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, along with his brothers, held the employees of WAPDA hostage and subjected them to torture.

Former PML-N ticket-holder Rana Irfan, who tortured the WAPDA employees, is also a defaulter of Rs966,000 of WAPDA, it was learnt.

“The accused held us hostage for four hours and released upon the arrival of Kabirwala deputy superintendent of police (DSP),” a WAPDA employee said.

A complaint for action against the PML-N leader on charges of torturing WAPDA employees and interfering in state affairs was submitted to the police.

The complaint sought the registration of a case against the accused under the provisions of terrorism.

“The accused had been stealing electricity through a tube well for a long period,” the WAPDA employee alleged.

The WAPDA employees, victims of the PML-N leader’s brutality, demanded that the senior officers take notice of the incident.

In Balochistan, 67 illegal power supply connections were disconnected in the first phase.

In Islamabad, hundreds of illegal electricity connections were disconnected and power thieves were imposed heavy fines.

In Lahore, over 800 cases were registered against power pilferers within a month.

Cases were registered against 40 electricity thieves in Mardan while two power thieves were held in Peshawar.

Over 300 illegal electricity connections were disconnected in Sukkur while an operation against power thieves was underway in Shikarpur.

At least 23 power pilferers were arrested in Gujranwala.

In Narowal, a lineman involved in power theft was arrested.

In Arifwala, seven power pilferers were booked.

In Hafizabad, seven people were held and booked for stealing power.

In Khairpur, over 1,000 illegal electricity connections were disconnected and 20 power thieves were arrested.

In Burewala, a fine of Rs650,000 was imposed on 20 power thieves.

In Qamber, over 500 illegal electricity connections were disconnected in a grand operation against power thieves.

Reporters: Bashir Kazmi, Bisam Sultan, Waqar Mangi, Akhlaq Chandio