LESCO Suspends Officials Following Khawaja Asif’s Bribery Allegation

Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has suspended three officials after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged that an Rs80,000 bribe was paid in connection with the replacement of a burnt transformer in a village, prompting disciplinary action and an official inquiry.

Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has suspended three officials after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged that a transformer in a village linked to one of his employees was replaced following the payment of an Rs80,000 bribe.

According to Geo News and The News International, the complaint triggered disciplinary action within the power utility and prompted authorities to initiate an inquiry into the matter.

Officials from LESCO’s Phool Nagar Division confirmed that two linemen and one line superintendent were suspended pending an investigation into the allegations.

The controversy emerged after a 200-kilowatt transformer reportedly burnt out in the village. According to the division’s executive engineer (XEN), a 100-kilowatt transformer was being installed as a replacement when the utility’s team was allegedly stopped from carrying out the work by local residents and a coordinator associated with the defence minister.

The XEN stated that he personally visited the area following the complaint and found no evidence that money had been paid directly to LESCO employees. He further maintained that no resident was able to provide proof supporting the bribery allegations during his inquiry.

LESCO sources also claimed that while money may have been collected from villagers, it was allegedly gathered by a private individual who had no affiliation with the power utility company.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari confirmed that action had been taken against the officials linked to the case following Khawaja Asif’s remarks.

“Action has been taken against the relevant individuals,” Leghari said, adding that the defence minister’s statement reflected a process of self-accountability within government institutions.

The power minister’s remarks came after Khawaja Asif publicly raised concerns regarding the alleged payment and called attention to the need for accountability in public service delivery. The incident has since generated discussion regarding transparency and governance within Pakistan’s electricity distribution sector.

While LESCO has maintained that no evidence of bribery has so far been established, authorities have indicated that the matter will continue to be investigated to determine responsibility and ensure accountability. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the transformer replacement and the allegations raised by the defence minister.