An alarming incident occurred in the Shahi Bagh subdivision of Peshawar today, where a drug-affected individual climbed a high-voltage PESCO power pole in broad daylight. The event, which drew a large crowd of onlookers, highlights the ongoing issue of peshawar power theft and the severe risks posed by unauthorized access to electrical infrastructure.

The dangers of peshawar power theft

Local reports confirm that the individual, who appeared to be under the influence of narcotics, scaled the utility pole with the apparent intention of stealing electrical cables. This act of desperation not only endangered the person's own life but also threatened the stability of the local power grid. PESCO (Peshawar Electric Supply Company) officials have long struggled with the theft of copper wires and other equipment, which often leads to prolonged power outages and infrastructure damage for residents in the area.

Immediate risks to public safety

Climbing high-voltage poles is extremely dangerous and can result in fatal electrocution or life-altering injuries. When individuals attempt to tamper with PESCO lines, it triggers circuit breakers, causing localized blackouts that affect households and businesses. The incident in Shahi Bagh serves as a grim reminder of how the prevalence of substance abuse in urban areas increasingly intersects with crime and public utility hazards.

What should residents do?

If you witness someone attempting to climb a power pole or tamper with electrical equipment, do not intervene directly. Instead, follow these steps:

  • Immediately contact the PESCO emergency helpline or your local grid station to report the suspicious activity.
  • Keep a safe distance from the pole, as falling debris or electrical arcs can cause serious harm.
  • Alert local police via the Madadgar 15 service if the situation involves criminal intent or public danger.

What to watch next

Authorities are expected to investigate the security lapses that allowed an unauthorized person to reach the top of the utility pole in such a busy area. Residents should monitor local updates to see if PESCO increases security measures or installs anti-climbing guards on vulnerable poles in the Shahi Bagh subdivision to prevent future incidents of this nature.