LESCO Suspends Three, Launches Probe After Minister Alleges Transformer Bribe

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has suspended three employees and launched a high-level inquiry after Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif alleged on Twitter that a faulty transformer in his employee’s village was replaced only after an Rs. 80,000 bribe was paid.

The suspended officials from the Phool Nagar division include Line Superintendent Muhammad Hussain and linemen Shaukat and Falak Sher. The action was taken after a 200-kilowatt transformer in the village burned out. According to LESCO officials, staff were attempting to install a 100-kilowatt replacement when they were stopped by local residents and the minister’s coordinator.

While an inquiry is underway, the Executive Engineer for Phool Nagar division stated that a personal visit to the village yielded no evidence of LESCO staff receiving any money. LESCO sources further claimed that a private individual named Shabbir, who is not affiliated with the company, had collected the funds from villagers.

The LESCO Board of Directors took serious notice of the minister’s complaint, calling the alleged incident a “worst example of corruption and a rotten system.” The board has ordered a comprehensive probe, stating that the LESCO Chief Executive and all responsible officers will be questioned and the strictest action will be taken if management is found to be involved.