KCCI criticises KE for intensified load-shedding

KARACHI: Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), has condemned K-Electric (KE) for subjecting Karachi’s residents and businesses to intensified load-shedding, urging the federal government to intervene as efforts to provide relief through electricity bill reductions are being undermined by KE’s persistent power outages.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bilwani called the situation a grave injustice to Karachi’s citizens and business community, who are unable to benefit from the recently announced ‘Sasti Bijli Sahulat’ package due to KE’s inefficiency. “The Sasti Bijli Sahulat package, intended to offer relief in the face of rising living and business costs, is a commendable step for the rest of the country,” Bilwani said. “However, due to KE’s increased load-shedding, Karachi’s residents and industries are being deprived of this much-needed benefit.”

He explained that the package, which provides discounted electricity tariffs on incremental consumption, is rendered ineffective in Karachi due to power outages, particularly during peak hours.

Bilwani also highlighted the overwhelming response from citizens who voiced their concerns about load-shedding through a recent KCCI campaign. “We have received hundreds of complaints from citizens across the city,” he said. “These complaints underscore the severe suffering caused by KE’s mismanagement, with reports of pwower outages lasting up to 12 hours in many areas.”

One notable complaint came from the Agro Processing Zone in Gadap, where businesses endure 12 hours of load-shedding daily, despite having a dedicated, self-financed feeder labelled ‘Agro Export Zone’. The affected units, which include export businesses, have consistently paid their bills and are not involved in electricity theft. These businesses face significant losses due to prolonged outages, particularly in the case of perishable goods. Bilwani added that people’s feedback reflected widespread dissatisfaction with KE’s operations. Many residents have accused KE of prioritising profitability over public interest, with some blaming the regulator for allowing the utility to exacerbate the load-shedding crisis.