PAC flags Rs19bn BISP payment irregularities

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has announced that the Joint Public Action Committee has responded positively to his proposal for establishing a Reconciliation Commission to help resolve the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He said the committee’s response included several recommendations that would be carefully reviewed as part of the consultation process. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Bilawal said he had received the committee’s formal reply regarding the proposed commission. According to him, the response reflects a willingness to consider an institutional mechanism that could help address the current situation through dialogue and consensus. Bilawal emphasized that his immediate priority is to help bring the ongoing crisis to an end, provide urgent relief to affected citizens, and restore normal life across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He described every loss of life as a national tragedy and stressed the importance of finding a peaceful and sustainable solution through constructive engagement. The PPP chairman welcomed the committee’s readiness to move forward with the proposed Reconciliation Commission, saying it represents a positive step toward resolving outstanding issues. He added that the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has also endorsed the proposal, which he intends to examine in detail before further consultations. Bilawal said the next phase of the process would involve discussions with the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Following these consultations, the AJK leadership is expected to seek initial feedback from the federal government and other relevant stakeholders to determine whether there is sufficient common ground to advance a mutually agreed framework. According to Bilawal, broad-based consultation among all stakeholders is essential to ensure that any solution enjoys public confidence and contributes to lasting stability. He expressed hope that the proposed commission could provide a structured platform for dialogue while addressing the concerns of all parties involved. The development comes at a time when efforts are underway to reduce tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and restore normal public life. Bilawal reiterated that meaningful dialogue, cooperation, and timely relief for affected communities remain central to his approach. He expressed optimism that continued engagement between the committee, the AJK government, and federal authorities could pave the way for a consensus-based resolution to the crisis.

  A man climbed an electricity pole in Peshawar in an alleged attempt to steal power cables, according to the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO). The unusual incident took place in the Shahibagh Sub-Division area, where electricity supply had already been suspended because maintenance work was underway. According to PESCO officials, the man climbed onto the pole while power was switched off in the area. The incident reportedly occurred during a period when electricity lines were not operational due to repair and maintenance work being carried out by the power distribution company. PESCO said that the man appeared to have taken advantage of the temporary suspension of electricity supply. He reportedly climbed the pole with the intention of removing electrical wires. The incident was noticed by people in the area, who alerted the relevant authorities. Officials reached the location and took action to prevent the situation from becoming more serious. The man was eventually brought down safely from the electricity pole. The incident occurred in the Shahibagh Sub-Division, an area served by PESCO as part of its electricity distribution network in Peshawar. Authorities said that the power supply had been deliberately shut down because repair work was being conducted on the network. The temporary power outage may have created an opportunity for the suspect to attempt the alleged theft. Electricity cables and other equipment belonging to power distribution companies are frequently targeted by thieves because the materials can be sold as scrap or for their metal value. However, climbing an electricity pole can be extremely dangerous even when the power supply has been switched off. Electrical systems can contain residual risks, and unexpected restoration of electricity can also create a serious threat to anyone working on or near power lines. PESCO officials did not immediately provide further details about whether the man had successfully removed any cables before being stopped. It was also not immediately clear whether a formal case had been registered against him or what legal action would be taken. The incident highlights the challenges faced by electricity distribution companies in protecting their infrastructure from theft and illegal interference. Power cables, transformers and other equipment are essential for maintaining electricity supplies, and their theft can cause additional outages and financial losses. Authorities regularly warn members of the public against approaching electricity poles, wires and other electrical equipment without proper training or authorisation. Such actions can result in serious injuries or even death. Residents in the area reportedly alerted officials after noticing the man on the pole. His safe removal prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. PESCO has been carrying out maintenance and repair activities in different parts of its service area to improve the reliability of electricity supplies. Planned outages are sometimes necessary to allow technical teams to safely work on power lines and related infrastructure. Officials have advised consumers to cooperate with maintenance schedules and report suspicious activity involving electricity infrastructure to the relevant authorities. The Peshawar incident serves as a reminder that electricity infrastructure remains vulnerable to theft, particularly during planned outages. It also demonstrates the dangers associated with attempting to interfere with electrical equipment. While the man was successfully brought down from the pole, authorities are expected to investigate the incident further and determine whether he intended to steal cables and whether any electricity infrastructure was damaged during the attempt.