ISLAMABAD : The Government has started deputing Rangers in power Distribution Companies (Discos) under the Anti Terrorism Act meant to extend support to eliminate electricity theft and probably to deal with any unrest in case of privatisation.
Initially, deployment of Rangers will be exercised in Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), one of biggest DISCOs of Punjab, in area-wise.
According to an SRO, issued by the Ministry of Interior, pursuant to the request made by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), the Federal Government in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 4 &5 of Anti Terrorism Act 1997 (to discharge such functions as specified in the said Act) has authorized deployment of sufficient strength of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) with MEPCO to support ( the, Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in anti-power theft campaign with immediate effect.
However, the exact date/area and mode of deployment along with additional number of troops /assets of Civil Armed Forces (CAFs), if requirement arises, will be worked out by stakeholders in consultation with MO Dte, GHQ and Rangers authorities .
The notification further states that the date of de-requisitioning of said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation among the stakeholders.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that the Federal Government has implemented Essential Services Act in all power related public sector entities like DISCOs, GENCOs, NTDC etc to ban protests.
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