PAC Orders Probe into Theft of Solar Panels from Punjab Government Schools

Lahore: Incidents of solar panel theft from government schools across Punjab during 2022 and 2023 have come to light, prompting the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Three to direct police to conduct a thorough investigation.

According to reports, as many as 50 schools in Rajanpur district alone were targeted. Expressing concern over the matter, the PAC emphasized the need for accountability and immediate action.

The meeting of PAC Three was chaired by Tanveer Aslam Malik, who instructed that strict letters be issued to District Police Officers (DPOs) of the affected districts. He criticized the Education Department for refusing to take responsibility, instead shifting the burden onto the District Health Authority.

The committee directed authorities to present details on how many schools were affected and how much recovery, if any, has been made so far.

The Education Department stated that First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered. However, the Audit Department revealed that no progress had been achieved in recovering the stolen panels after the FIRs were lodged. The PAC concluded that the District Education Authority had failed to ensure the security of solar panels installed at schools.