The Knowledge Forum (TKF) organised a meeting at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) office to discuss the citizens’ problems due to prolonged loadshedding and overcharging by Karachi Electric (KE) at the HRCP office on June 13, 2024.
A group of concerned citizens raised serious concerns over prolonged power outages in Karachi, coupled with the issuance of inflated electricity bills, calling upon the government to provide urgent relief to the people.
The participants resolved to take collective action by sending letters to public representatives and the Sindh High Court, urging immediate steps to address the worsening power crisis. Citizens highlighted that despite regularly paying their bills, many localities are subjected to load shedding lasting 10 to 12 hours daily, a situation they termed intolerable and unjustifiable.
The group expressed strong criticism of K-Electric, accusing the power utility of punishing law-abiding bill payers through indiscriminate load shedding. KE has defended its position by citing non-payment of bills and power theft in some areas. However, citizens argued that penalising those who fulfil their obligations is unfair and unacceptable. They insisted that the utility must adopt targeted measures instead of imposing blanket hardships on compliant customers.
To strengthen their advocacy, the citizens decided to draft a letter addressed to public representatives and the Sindh High Court. The letter will emphasise the urgency of reducing the duration and frequency of power outages, addressing inflated billing practices, ensuring transparency in the billing process, and holding KE accountable for its service delivery. The group will also call upon the government to intervene directly and work toward a sustainable, long-term solution by exploring alternative energy sources and improving the city’s power infrastructure.
The citizens reaffirmed their commitment to continue raising their voice until practical solutions are implemented, stressing that reliable and fair access to electricity is a fundamental right of Karachi’s residents.
