The Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) has issued notices to 29 provincial ministries, urging them to clear Rs 6.19 billion in overdue electricity bills by the end of the month.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, these ministries oversee 296 departments and institutions collectively responsible for the outstanding dues.
MEPCO Director of Commercial Operations Asad Hamad said all defaulters have been given a strict deadline. "Failure to pay the dues will result in the disconnection of electricity connections," he stated.
The Ministry of Urban Development tops the defaulters' list, with its subordinate organisation WASA owing Rs 3.81 billion. The Irrigation Department owes Rs 1 billion, while the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources has Rs 2.37 million in outstanding bills.
Other significant defaulters include:
Ministry of Livestock: Rs 26.4 million across 16 departments
Ministry of Communication and Works: Rs 15.2 million from three organizations
Ministry of Excise and Taxation: Rs 4.81 million from 11 departments
Ministry of Religious Affairs: Rs 3 million for a single connection
Ministry of Commerce and Industries: Rs 203.4 million from 10 departments
Ministry of Education: Rs 103.7 million from 67 institutions
Additionally, the Ministry of Health owes Rs 140 million, while the Ministry of Interior's subordinate organisations are responsible for Rs 459.5 million in dues. Smaller amounts are owed by ministries of transport, information, culture, and others.
MEPCO has stressed the urgency of resolving this issue, stating that non-payment hampers the company’s operations and impacts the region's energy supply chain.