Karachi Residents' Power Plight: Chronic Outages and Rampant Theft

The ongoing power outages and electricity theft in Karachi have intensified residents' suffering. Prolonged cuts and illegal sales disrupt daily life, especially in North Karachi. Labourers and school children face significant challenges, while illegal 'kunda' connections exacerbate the issue amidst struggling infrastructure.

The difficulties facing Karachi residents have been amplified by extended power outages and widespread electricity theft, The Express Tribune reported. The persistent power cuts in North Karachi have inflicted severe hardships, with residents enduring up to 12 hours without electricity.

Locals, including Muhammad Tariq, Farooq Khan, and Babar, reported frequent outages at various intervals, heavily impacting their daily routines. Labourers returning home from work struggle through power cuts amid intense heat, while school children find it challenging to complete their homework.

These power disruptions force residents to replenish their water supplies late at night, significantly disrupting their sleep and subsequent work performance. Additionally, 'criminal elements' in the power sector exploit the situation by illegally selling electricity. They supply over 250 homes through unauthorized 'kunda' connections, charging exorbitant fees.

Karachi has long faced electricity supply issues, exacerbated by increasing demand and faltering infrastructure. Karachi Electric (KE), the main power utility, grapples with ageing equipment, financial constraints, and management issues. While steps are being taken to address these problems, implementation remains slow, further prolonging residents' woes.

(With inputs from agencies.)