The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified its investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding Lahore Electric Supply Company’s (Lesco) smart meter projects, formally seeking extensive documentation related to the procurement and award of contracts under the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) programme.
According to official sources, the inquiry focuses on suspected misrepresentation, misuse of authority, and potential financial loss to the national exchequer linked to the prequalification, tendering process, and contract awards for smart metering works.
Companies Under Scrutiny
In a formal communication sent to Lesco management, the FIA has requested complete and certified records relating to the prequalification of the following firms:
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World Over Engineering (Pvt) Limited
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WOSCO Metering (Pvt) Limited
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AM Associates (Pvt) Limited
The agency has also demanded details of Lesco’s last five prequalification exercises, including committee minutes, recommendations, approvals, and internal noting sheets.
Tender Process and Contract Awards Examined
Investigators are reviewing documentation related to key decisions taken in August and September 2025, including notifications that led to the inclusion or removal of firms from Lesco’s prequalified vendor list.
The FIA has sought:
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Full tender files for the last five AMI / smart metering projects
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Bidding documents, evaluation reports, and comparative statements
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Technical and financial responsiveness reports
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Award letters, work orders, and contract schedules
Particular attention is being paid to Tender No. 4212 and allied projects.
Merger, Name Changes and Bank Guarantees
The probe also covers company mergers, name changes, and eligibility transfers, with the FIA asking for correspondence with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and internal justifications used by Lesco to treat certain mergers as simple business name changes.
Additionally, the agency has requested records of:
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Bank guarantees submitted after April 7, 2025
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Payment details, invoices, cheques issued, and funds released
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Verification reports, factory audits, and performance certificates
Coordination With Other Power Utilities
To assess overall performance and eligibility, the FIA has also asked for any correspondence between Lesco and other power distribution companies (Discos), including Gepco, Fesco, Iesco, Pesco, and AJK authorities.
Deadline Issued
The FIA has directed Lesco to submit the complete certified record by December 31, 2025, through a designated officer not below BPS-17, warning that failure to comply could invite further legal action.
Broader Accountability Drive
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of public sector procurement processes, particularly large-scale technology projects involving public funds. Analysts say the outcome of the investigation could set an important precedent for transparency and accountability in power sector reforms.
