KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday called for the deregulation of the power sector and demanded licences for more electricity supply companies across the country to end the “authoritative and dictatorial” control of the existing companies and bring relief to people.

Addressing a press conference, MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal said that the country’s overall development budget was set at Rs1,400 billion, while the payable amount to the power companies had crossed Rs1,700 billion. He stated that the time had come to end the monopoly of distribution companies to promote healthy competition and provide cheaper electricity to consumers.

“Anywhere in the world, there are several [power supply] companies operating in one area,” he said. “It brings competition and finally offers consumers the opportunity to pick the power supply company of their choice, depending on its performance and price. Doesn’t it sound like a joke that the government has to pay more than the development funds to power companies? There’s a need to privatise DISCOS [distribution companies] after thoroughly studying the experiment of KE privatisation.”

He added that the majority of people regularly pay their bills but are still unfairly charged for electricity theft by others, and the electricity supply is reduced as a means to control these losses. Even in major urban areas, residents endure up to 18 hours of load shedding, affecting those who pay hefty bills. The MQM-P leader also suggested that the government engage with institutions and friendly nations to restructure debt payments owed in dollars.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2024