Daily Times

KARACHI: Representatives of civil society have demanded the Sindh government to take measures for implementation of Sindh High Court’s yesterday’s verdict ordering NEPRA to take action against K-Electric for prejudiced load-shedding in the city.

Addressing a joint press conference with Nazim Haji from Trust Against Crimes, Karamat Ali of Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER), Ms. Mahnaz Rahman, resident Director of Aurat Foundation, Habibuddin Junaidi of Sindh Labour Solidarity Committee and others welcomed the SHC decision against K-Electric at Karachi Press Club on Wednesday.

“People of Karachi are suffering in hot weather but K-Electric is producing less electricity to save fuel in order to mint maximum profits,” said Nazim Haji

Moreover he said total installed capacity of K-E is quite sufficient to meet demand of the entire city. Besides its own generation, the National Transmission and Dispatch Company is providing 650 MW to K-E, which is almost free. The main objective of the private sector management of K-Electric is to maximize their profits.

“Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) will activate its Consumer Rights Council to monitor implementation of the SHC verdict and citizens will also be asked to file their complaints”, said Karamat Ali of PILER.

“Civil society representatives are planning to meet with Sindh Chief Minister and Mayor of Karachi to apprise them of the problems and play their role in the light of the high court verdict,” he added.

Senior trade union leader Habibuddin Junaidi said K-Electric should be nationalized as the company has failed to provide any relief to the 2.5 crores of Karachi after privatization. Sufferings of people have increased instead of reduction after the privatization.

Although there was prolonged load shedding, after the start of Ramzan, the K-Electric has resorted unscheduled load-shedding. Even outages is happening in those areas which were earlier declared as load-shedding free areas, said Shaikh Majeed, a trade union leader

Ms. Mahnaz Rahman of Aurat Foundation said women are suffering a lot. House wives are frustrated due to prolonged power outages as they are unable to complete their domestic chores. The working women especially home based female workers are unable to earn their livelihood due to load-shedding in Karachi.

Labour leader Liaqat Sahi said that a large number of workers were removed after the privatization of K-Electric, which was against the Constitution. K-Electric management should be made accountable, he added.

Political parties, citizen’s organizations and general public should come forward and jointly struggle for their rights, concluded Saeed Baloch.