JI slams KE for loadshedding in 11 demonstrations across Karachi

The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Monday staged 11 protest demonstrations at major spots in the megacity against the K-Electric (KE) over loadshedding and excessive billings.

A large number of residents participated in the protests who carried placards and banners, and chanted slogans against the power utility. Addressing a protest demonstration at Liaquatabad, Karachi JI Emir Monem Zafar said then Karachi Electric Supply Corporation, later renamed as KE after privatisation, was privatised in order to end loadshedding, whereas the result was totally opposite.

The KE was subjecting Karachiites to collective punishment in an open violation of all the laws, rules and regulations, as well ascourt orders, he said. He added that KE had proved that it was above the law and the state institutions.

Zafar criticised the ruling political parties for supporting the KE on its cruel policies against Karachiites. He alleged that there was a nexus between the government, KE and National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra).

He said the KE's basic tariff was changed in the name of recovery losses. He remarked that on the one hand, Nepra had reprimanded the KE over its policies through a letter but on the other hand, it had raised its basic tariff by Rs5, which showed the dual face of the regulator. He quoted official figures as saying that some 300 feeders of total around 2,000 feeders were responsible for 87 per cent losses and said that those who paid their bills regularly despite overcharging had been made to pay for those who engaged in electricity theft.

He said the KE had offered the government to take responsibility for the 300 feeders, but actually the government needed to take responsibility for all the feeders, eliminating the role of the KE.