KESC Directed to Address Power Outages, Stop Average Billing

News Desk

Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Government Assurances of the National Assembly has expressed grave concern over unannounced power outages and overbilling practices by the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), directing the utility to immediately halt unscheduled loadshedding and stop billing consumers on the basis of average consumption.

The committee, chaired by MNA Nuzhat Sadiq, met on Monday to review assurances given by ministers on the floor of the House regarding various public grievances. The committee emphasized that paying consumers should not suffer due to non-payment by others and called for equitable treatment.

During a briefing on a calling attention notice moved by MNA Sardar Nabeel Ahmad Gabool, the committee was informed that KESC was conducting large-scale unscheduled loadshedding across Karachi and resorting to average billing, compounding the difficulties of city residents.

The committee urged KESC to engage closely with elected representatives to curb the widespread “kunda” culture (illegal electricity connections) and integrate more consumers into the metering system.

KESC officials informed the committee that the utility faced Rs. 44 billion in losses in 2024 due to unpaid bills, illegal connections, and non-metered usage. The committee decided to revisit the implementation of its directives after 30 days.

Mansehra Emigrants Office Shifted to Abbottabad

The committee also reviewed progress on the establishment of a Protectorate of Emigrants Office in District Mansehra, a demand raised by MNA Shahzada Gustasap Khan. Officials from the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment informed the committee that the government had approved setting up the office in Abbottabad, 24 kilometers from Mansehra, to serve the Hazara Division and surrounding areas. The committee expressed satisfaction with this development.

Rehabilitation of Flood-Hit Roads in Sindh and KP

Reviewing assurances on the repair of flood-damaged roads, the committee discussed two commitments made by the Minister for Communications regarding rehabilitation work in Sindh and the deteriorated Chakdara-Upper Dir Road in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. MNAs Dr Nafeesa Shah and Mehboob Shah had raised the issues earlier.

The committee directed the Ministry of Communications and the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite repair work and develop a comprehensive strategy for road maintenance ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. It also demanded detailed information on NHA’s routine maintenance budget.

Gas Overbilling in Balochistan

Taking up the matter of gas overbilling in Balochistan, raised by MNA Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, the committee was informed by Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) officials that a special tariff was being charged to gas consumers in the province, as directed by the Balochistan High Court.

The officials added that the issue is currently under adjudication in the Supreme Court, and future billing will be based on the court’s final ruling. The committee directed the Petroleum Division to ensure transparency and fairness in billing practices for Balochistan residents.