KARACHI, May 31: The increased power loadshedding across the city has proved true the apprehension that privatisation of the KESC may affect its services adversely. Such apprehensions have been expressed by people in the case of other private sector concerns that have been, or are planned to be, privatised.

These views were expressed by more leaders of political parties and civil society organisations while the province-wide uproar over persisting power crisis is refusing to subside. They argued that the ruling party members in the elected houses pressing those at the helm of the affairs to get people rid of the curse of loadshedding and breakdowns proved that the government’s tall claims of having improved the economy and brought about stability were nothing but hallow slogans aimed at hoodwinking masses.

Yusuf Mastikhan of the National Workers Party said that privatising the KESC instead of improving its services had destroyed the power utility. Breakdowns and loadshedding spread over one to 10 hours, some time even longer, had made people’s life miserable in the sultry weather conditions. Shortage of water has added to their miseries and deepened the dual crisis.

Zubair Khan of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf, Sindh, said that the unannounced loadshedding was curse the government’s claims in this regard were a farce. He said that people would have to take to the street to get rid of the present rulers to escape an even worse situation to be created by the coming budget.

Sardar Abdul Rahim of the PML-N said that power failures of up to 10 hours in a city like Karachi were a proof of the government’s total failure. He said the prevailing situation spoke volume about the government’s claim of economic progress. He said by disposing of the country’s vital institutions at a throw away price, the government was pushing the country into bankruptcy.

Amin Khattak of the Awami National Party said that the current power crisis in the city verified his party’s view that privatisation of KESC would have a devastating effect on Karachi. He pointed out that besides adding to the miseries of people, loadshedding had crippled the cottage industry.