Unpaid dues

The power sector is facing serious challenges, with rising tariffs, growing defaults, and widespread theft of electricity. Our country presents unique challenges for all essential services, especially for electricity, as many resort to illegal connections or simply stop paying bills when they cannot afford to anymore. In such times, utilities are burdened with recovering unpaid dues resulting in nationwide crackdowns, but that alone cannot solve this problem. The government must take responsibility for addressing the underlying issues.

The past year failed to garner recoveries at a pace which is essential for the overall power sector because there is no solid legal framework backing it and support from the presidential ordinance that underpinned the crackdowns initially in 2024 is long expired. Better governance and stricter enforcement of laws are essential to inculcate a sense of responsibility. The country’s economy is linked with the power sector and a conducive business environment is essential for greater energy security and sustainability.

Tanzeel Khanzada

Karachi