Renowned singer-turned-politician Jawad Ahmad, once celebrated for his soulful melodies and patriotic anthems, now finds himself at the center of a controversy involving allegations of power theft and assault. The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) has accused Ahmad and his associates of physically assaulting and harassing their staff after officials reportedly detected power theft at a beauty salon in Johar Town, Lahore. The salon is allegedly owned by Ahmad’s wife. Lesco authorities have filed an application with the local police for registering a case against the singer and his men, accusing them of beating their employees and forcibly snatching the faulty electricity meter they had seized as evidence.
Lesco’s Airline Subdivision SDO, Muhammad Asghar, stated that their staff was conducting a routine inspection when they uncovered irregularities at the salon. Asghar described the confrontation as violent and unlawful, lamenting the growing challenges faced by officials tasked with combating electricity theft in the region. The allegations have sparked widespread outrage, reigniting debates over the broader issue of electricity theft in Pakistan and the implications of high-profile figures allegedly flouting the law.
Jawad Ahmad’s career trajectory paints a picture of a man whose fame has dwindled alongside his controversial foray into politics. Rising to prominence in the early 2000s with hits like Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena and Mehnat Kar, Hasad Na Kar, Ahmad captured the hearts of millions with his message of hope, resilience, and unity. However, in recent years, his musical career has taken a backseat as he delved deeper into activism and politics.
Ahmad’s political journey has been marked by his outspoken criticism of mainstream political parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan. As the founder of the Barabri Party Pakistan, Ahmad has positioned himself as a voice for the working class, frequently lambasting the PTI’s policies and accusing Khan of promoting elitism and cronyism. This anti-PTI stance, however, has alienated a significant portion of his fanbase, many of whom view Imran Khan as a reformist figure fighting against entrenched corruption.
Ahmad’s unrelenting criticism of Khan and his policies has cost him dearly in terms of public support. Social media platforms, which once buzzed with admiration for his music, are now rife with criticism and allegations of political opportunism. Many of his former fans accuse him of leveraging his celebrity status to push a divisive political agenda. His declining popularity mirrors a broader trend where public figures who align themselves against the PTI often face significant backlash, given the party’s strong grassroots support and Khan’s cult-like following.
Beyond the personal controversies surrounding Ahmad, the issue of power theft in Pakistan remains a pressing national crisis. Electricity theft is not only a symptom of systemic corruption but also a major contributor to the country’s chronic energy woes. Pakistan loses an estimated Rs. 380 billion annually to electricity theft, a figure that represents a substantial drain on the national exchequer. Lesco alone reportedly incurs billions of rupees in losses each year due to illegal connections, meter tampering, and non-payment of bills.
The economic cost of power theft extends far beyond the financial losses incurred by utility companies. It exacerbates the country’s energy shortfall, leading to frequent power outages that disrupt daily life and hinder economic productivity. Moreover, honest consumers are often forced to bear the brunt of these losses through higher electricity tariffs, fueling public resentment and eroding trust in the government’s ability to address the issue.
Efforts to combat electricity theft have been met with limited success, largely due to a lack of political will and systemic inefficiencies within utility companies. Corruption within these organizations often enables theft, with some officials allegedly complicit in facilitating illegal connections in exchange for bribes. Attempts to hold perpetrators accountable, as in the case of Lesco’s confrontation with Jawad Ahmad, are frequently met with resistance, further highlighting the challenges faced by enforcement agencies.
The allegations against Ahmad come at a time when Pakistan is grappling with a severe energy crisis. With rising fuel costs, outdated infrastructure, and dwindling foreign reserves, the country’s power sector is under immense strain. Addressing the issue of electricity theft is critical to alleviating this burden, yet incidents like the one involving Ahmad demonstrate the complexity of the problem. High-profile cases of alleged theft not only undermine efforts to promote accountability but also erode public confidence in the rule of law.
For Jawad Ahmad, the fallout from this controversy is likely to extend beyond the immediate legal implications. Already struggling with declining popularity, his alleged involvement in such an incident could further tarnish his reputation and alienate him from his remaining supporters. Whether he can recover from this setback and reclaim his place as a respected public figure remains uncertain.
The case also underscores the broader societal challenges faced by Pakistan in addressing systemic issues like electricity theft and the abuse of power by influential individuals. Until these challenges are addressed with consistency and transparency, incidents like this will continue to undermine efforts to build a fair and equitable society.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.