KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday proposed an end to the monopoly of K-Electric in the power supply system of Karachi, saying that it was the only way out to overcome the deepening power crisis in the metropolis.

The proposal from MQM-P – an ally of the ruling coalition at the Centre, came at a meeting of the party’s delegation with Federal Energy Minister Khurram Dastagir. The delegation highlighted Karachiites’ electricity woes.

A statement issued by the party on Thursday said that the delegation included Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Federal IT and Telecom Minister Ameen ul Haq. It asked Mr Dastagir for his immediate intervention into the problem, and protested over hours-long loadshedding in Karachi and Hyderabad and inflated bills being sent to consumers in these cities.

The delegation urged the federal minister to take notice of the worsening performance of the K-Electric and warned of protests if the power utility failed to take corrective measures.

Opposes renewal of power utility’s licence

“The government will have the best opportunity, while considering renewal of KE’s licence, to rid the people of this menace,” the delegation stressed. Instead of renewing KE’s licence, new companies should be given a chance, said the statement citing the delegation’s demand.

The K-Electric, Dr Siddiqi said, was recovering heavy sums from consumers while its performance had been nil; many areas of Karachi had been suffering from hours-long loadshedding.

“The company disconnects power supply to entire areas over non-payment of bills by a few consumers … what is the justification of such an action, the MQM-P leader wondered.

“We fail to comprehend why the K-Electric goes scot-free despite its bad performance and over-billing. The prime minister and federal minister should not test patience of Karachi citizens and must take immediate notice of the worsening situation.”

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2023