English Version:
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to carry out a detailed survey of K-Electric’s operations, following growing frustration over unannounced load shedding across Karachi, ARY News reported.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) against K-Electric. Expressing serious concern over prolonged outages—up to 12 to 18 hours a day in some areas—Justice Faisal Kamal Alam demanded answers.
He questioned both NEPRA and K-Electric:
“What has K-Electric done to improve its infrastructure and services since privatization?” he asked, adding that even light rain knocks power out for hours.
The court also asked if NEPRA even had a technical team capable of inspecting the situation on the ground.
NEPRA’s counsel replied that they had fined K-Electric—including a recent Rs. 20 million penalty—and issued show-cause notices. But the court wasn’t impressed.
Justice Alam snapped back:
“What difference have these fines made? Load shedding continues, and the people’s health keeps deteriorating.”
JI’s petition highlights the severe toll of unannounced power cuts on daily life and local businesses. It accuses K-Electric of failing to deliver stable electricity despite being privatized.
The court made it clear that accountability is overdue. It demanded a clear answer on what concrete steps K-Electric has taken to upgrade its infrastructure and whether the power crisis in Karachi is anywhere close to being solved.
