Faisalabad (HRNW) — Faisalabad’s prominent industrialist and owner of Sitara Chemical, Mian Muhammad Idrees, has been arrested at Lahore International Airport. According to sources, he is facing proceedings in a case involving alleged electricity theft amounting to 12 billion rupees, and his name was reportedly placed on the Provisional Control List (PCL). It is stated that when he arrived at Lahore Airport for an international flight, immigration officials stopped him and handed him over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). In the same case, FIA has also taken into custody two former FESCO Chief Executive Officers, Khurshid Alam and Saeed Akhtar, who are accused of allegedly facilitating large-scale electricity theft through collusion. Legal proceedings by the concerned institutions are ongoing, and the final decision will rest with the court.
Human rights angle
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Large-scale electricity theft and alleged collusion between private industrial actors and public officials raise important questions about economic justice and the right of ordinary citizens to fair access to essential services like electricity. When billions are allegedly stolen from the system, the burden often shifts onto consumers through higher tariffs, load-shedding, and reduced public investment, which disproportionately affects low-income communities.
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Transparent investigation, fair trial, and due process are essential human-rights safeguards — both for the accused and for the public that has a right to accountability. Any proceedings must respect legal rights (including presumption of innocence, access to legal counsel, and fair hearing), while ensuring that victims of systemic corruption — ordinary bill-paying citizens — are not ignored.
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Corruption in utility sectors can undermine trust in institutions and deepen social inequality. Tackling such cases through strong, impartial enforcement and judicial oversight is central to protecting socio-economic rights.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on available information and source-based accounts regarding the arrest and ongoing proceedings. Details may change as investigations and court processes advance. The allegations mentioned have yet to be conclusively proven in a court of law, and all accused are entitled to due process and a fair trial. For definitive and updated information, please refer to official institutional and judicial records.
