Karachi Power Issues Persist Despite Winter Season | Pakistan Today News
The K-Electric (KE) has rebuffed efforts to mitigate the duration of load shedding in certain districts of Karachi, even amidst winter chill. During a Special Committee session on Wednesday, Moonis Alvi, CEO of K-electric, addressed MPs with resolute words against reducing load sheddings where electricity is pilfered and irked the committee members’ sentiment towards power supply disrufort in those areas (Source: Pakistan Today News).
The Special Committee had been set up by Sindh Assembly back in September, comprising 18 lawmakers including Fayaz Ali Butt as Chairman. The assembly also included prominent personalities like Leader of Opposition and Jamaat-i-Islami’s Muhammad Farooq; PTI’s own Shabbir Mohammad among others from Muttahida Quami Movement, Sindh Peoples Party (PPP) including Saleem Baloch.
In a previous interaction with the media, KE CEO was blunt about continuing load shedding in areas afflicted by electricity pilferage and generator mafia which resulted him to be criticized for his unprofessional behavior during committee meeting (Source: Pakistan Today News). Amidst this heated atmosphere at a special session of Sindh Assembly, the situation escalated when Amir Siddiqui engaged in verbal altercation with KE CEO which later led him to defend people’s grievances publicly.
In response to mounting pressure from opposition members and critics who have claimed that there would be prolonged 18-hour power outages, the company has responded by promising partial load shedding during water supply timings (Source: Pakistan Today News). However this pledge came as an aftermath of a previous meeting where KE CEO had assured no excessive loading. This practice unfortunately continues to persist in several parts of Karachi which is causing significant discomfort among citizens and leading them towards potential uproar if left unaddressed (Source: Pakistan Today News).
This issue has not only brought about concerns for the residents but also sparks debates on KE’s management as issues like scheduled load shedding are regularly accompanied by claims of water supply being disconnected just 10 minutes after electricity cut. This frequent and abrupt service interruption is becoming a daily routine in some areas (Source: Pakistan Today News).
Although MQM leader has agreed to manage partial load during the timings for water, criticism persists on KE CEO not attending special meetings which further fueled discontent among citizens. This situation remains critical as it hampers economic and social activities in Karachi (Source: Pakistan Today News).
Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2024
