Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Alleges LESCO Refused Receipt for Rs80,000 Transformer Repair Payment

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has accused officials of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) of taking Rs80,000 for the repair of a damaged transformer without issuing an official receipt.

In a statement posted on X, Khawaja Asif said that a transformer in the village of his domestic employee burned out on Sunday. He contacted a former LESCO chief executive and requested assistance in resolving the issue.

According to the minister, LESCO employees repaired the transformer and collected Rs80,000 from villagers, who gathered the amount through contributions. However, he claimed that no receipt was provided for the payment.

Khawaja Asif said the incident highlighted the difficulties faced by ordinary consumers. He remarked that if such practices could occur despite the involvement of a former power minister and a current cabinet member, the situation for the general public could be even worse.

He further stated that the payment had been made properly, but LESCO officials were refusing to issue a receipt.

Following the minister’s allegations, LESCO administration reportedly suspended three employees and sought legal action against the mechanic involved in the transformer repair.

Sources said complaints about unofficial payments for transformer repairs are common in LESCO-served areas. Residents are often allegedly asked to contribute between Rs1,000 and Rs2,000 per household when transformers develop faults. Sources also claimed that the amount of bribes demanded varies from area to area.