The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Lahore has begun attaching First Information Report (FIR) warning notices to consumer utility bills as part of a new campaign to recover outstanding dues, sparking criticism from residents across the city. According to officials, the legal warning notices are being sent even to consumers who have missed only a single monthly payment. The move has triggered concerns among residents, many of whom described the notices as unnecessarily harsh and intimidating.

According to officials, the legal warning notices are being sent even to consumers who have missed only a single monthly payment. The move has triggered concerns among residents, many of whom described the notices as unnecessarily harsh and intimidating.

Several consumers expressed frustration over the policy, saying they received threatening messages despite having only one unpaid bill. The recovery campaign has fueled debate over whether the agency’s approach is proportionate to the level of default.

The development comes shortly after WASA Lahore adopted a strict stance on public safety issues related to open manholes. The agency recently warned that criminal cases could be registered against individuals involved in the theft, purchase, or sale of manhole covers.

In a public awareness message, WASA urged citizens to report missing or damaged manhole covers immediately to help prevent accidents and protect public safety. The agency also shared its complaint helplines, advising residents to contact 1334 or 0334-1334470 for water supply and sewerage-related issues.

WASA stated that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in manhole cover theft, following growing concerns over public safety in the city.

The warning followed a tragic incident in Lahore’s Bhati Gate area, where a woman and her nine-month-old daughter reportedly lost their lives after falling into an open manhole. Following the incident, authorities arrested several government officials on negligence charges under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The latest measures reflect WASA Lahore’s efforts to strengthen revenue recovery and public safety enforcement, though the agency’s aggressive billing notices have generated significant public criticism.

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