The experience of traveling in a van in Karachi’s unbearable heat is truly a test of patience. With the city recording over a scorching 41°C, and temperatures expected to rise further, the heat only adds to the daily struggles of Karachi’s already turbulent life.

As temperatures continue to rise, the scorching summers in Karachi are once again becoming a serious challenge for us. With frequent power outages, water shortages, and a lack of shaded public spaces, daily life becomes increasingly difficult, especially for low-income communities, students, and elderly citizens.

While heatwaves are becoming a seasonal norm, there seems to be little long-term planning to mitigate their impact. More public awareness campaigns, provision of cooling centers, and improved electricity and water management are urgently needed.

Furthermore, tree plantation drives and green urban planning must be prioritized to counter the urban heat island effect that makes Karachi’s summer even more unbearable.

It is high time that authorities recognize this not as a temporary inconvenience, but as a recurring public health and infrastructure crisis that demands immediate and sustained action.

Tooba Abbasi

Karachi, Sindh

Read: Escalating Heatwaves and Challenges

The post Scorching Summer and Power Outages first appeared on Sindh Courier.

I am writing to share my concern about the recent A Levels paper leak. This issue has created a lot of stress, confusion, and disappointment among students. A Levels are very important exams, and students spend many months preparing for them with full effort and dedication. When something like a paper leak happens, it makes the whole process feel unfair.

Exams are supposed to check students’ knowledge in a fair and honest way. However, if a paper is leaked before the exam, some students may get access to it earlier, which gives them an unfair advantage. On the other hand, students who studied honestly and followed the rules are left at a disadvantage. This not only affects their results but also damages their trust in the examination system.

Such incidents also create panic among students. Many start to worry whether their paper will be cancelled, whether they will have to give a retake, or if their grades will be affected. This adds extra pressure during an already stressful time. It is unfair that students have to go through this because of a mistake that is not their fault.

I understand that managing large international exams is not easy, and mistakes can happen. However, it is the responsibility of examination boards to make sure that papers are kept secure. Stronger measures should be taken to prevent leaks in the future so that such situations do not happen again.

At the same time, it is very important that students are treated fairly. The authorities should carefully investigate the situation and make decisions that do not harm innocent students. Whether it is grade adjustments or other solutions, the focus should be on protecting students’ hard work.

I hope this matter is handled seriously and responsibly. Students deserve a fair, safe, and trustworthy examination system, where their efforts are respected and rewarded properly.

Jamila Mohsin

Haidery North Nazimabad Karachi 

Read: Medical Universities’ Entrance System: A Barrier to Merit and Accessibility

The post Concern about A-Levels Paper Leak first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Abdul Fattah Odhano

The decision by Pakistan Railways to suspend critical train services across the ML-2 route has cast a dark shadow over the livelihoods of millions in Sindh and Balochistan. Under the leadership of CEO Aamir Baloch, the department has halted several lifelines, including the iconic Bolan Mail (3UP/4DN) which connects Karachi and Quetta through the heart of Sindh via Larkana and Dadu. Similarly, the Khushal Khattak Express (19UP/20DN), a vital artery for those traveling from Karachi to Peshawar through Dadu, Jacobabad, and D.G. Khan, has been silenced. These suspensions extend to regional services like the Moen Jo Daro Express between Kotri and Rohri, the Saman Sarkar Express, the Marvi Express to Khokhrapar, and the Shah Lateef Express.

​While the official narrative frequently cites “operational losses” or security concerns as the primary justification, the reality on the ground tells a story of systemic neglect and a perceived regional bias. For the common man in Sindh and Balochistan, these trains are not merely modes of transport; they are the affordable backbone of their daily existence. Small-scale traders, laborers, and students who rely on the economy-class fares of the ML-2 line now find themselves stranded or forced into the hands of a private transport mafia. This “mafia”—composed of bus and coach operators—has reportedly capitalized on the vacuum, hiking fares to levels that the average citizen simply cannot afford. There are growing, bitter allegations that these suspensions are not accidental but are instead fueled by a nexus between railway officials and private transporters who benefit directly from the closure of public rail links.

​The plight of the passenger is heart-wrenching. In the remote towns of Dadu, Sehwan, and Larkana, the silence of the station whistle means a complete disconnection from the country’s economic hubs. Families are separated, medical emergencies become death sentences due to the lack of affordable long-distance travel, and the local economy, which thrives around bustling railway stations, is withering away.

​The sting of this injustice is sharpened by the contrast seen in other regions. While Sindh and Balochistan’s tracks fall into disuse, new projects and revamped services continue to be inaugurated in Punjab. This creates a painful “double standard” where the citizens of the southern and western provinces feel like secondary members of the federation. To the father who can no longer afford to send his son to school in another city, or the patient who can no longer reach a specialist in Karachi, the “loss” cited by the CEO feels like a hollow excuse for a deeper, more troubling abandonment. The suspension of these trains is more than a logistical change; it is a direct blow to the dignity and mobility of the common man, leaving them to navigate a world where the state’s most vital service is increasingly becoming a luxury they can no longer access.

​These rail lines are not just tracks and sleepers; they are the literal connective tissue of the federation. When a train like the Bolan Mail stops running, it doesn’t just “cut a route”—it severs the lifeline of a student in Dadu and a trader in Quetta.

​A Legacy Left to Rust

​These routes are more than just infrastructure; they are a national heritage. Laid by the British government, these lines were designed to bridge the vast, rugged distances of the subcontinent. Historically, even after the Partition of India, the state recognized these routes as a social obligation. The government once prioritized the operation of these trains, bearing the expenses as a necessary public service to ensure that the most remote corners of the country remained integrated into the national fabric. Today, that commitment has been replaced by a balance-sheet mentality that ignores the human cost.

​​The “Operational Loss” vs. The Private Nexus

​While the official narrative frequently cites “operational losses” or security concerns, the reality on the ground suggests a more cynical motive. For the common man, these trains are the only affordable backbone of existence.

​In the vacuum left by Pakistan Railways, a private transport mafia has surged. Bus and coach operators have reportedly capitalized on the lack of competition, hiking fares to levels that the average laborer or small-scale trader simply cannot afford. There are growing, bitter allegations that these suspensions are not accidental, but rather fueled by a nexus between railway officials and private transporters who benefit directly from the closure of public rail links.

​A Tale of Two Pakistans

​The sting of this injustice is sharpened by a glaring regional contrast. While Sindh and Balochistan’s tracks fall into disuse and their heritage is allowed to decay, new projects and revamped services continue to be inaugurated in Punjab. This “double standard” reinforces a sense of systemic neglect.

​”To the father who can no longer afford to send his son to school in another city, or the patient in Sehwan who can no longer reach a specialist in Karachi, the ‘loss’ cited by the CEO feels like a hollow excuse for a deeper, more troubling abandonment.”

​The Human Toll

​The consequences are heart-wrenching:

​Economic Decay: Local economies that once thrived around bustling railway stations are withering away.

​Medical Emergencies: In remote towns like Dadu and Larkana, the lack of affordable long-distance travel has turned manageable medical issues into death sentences.

​Educational Barriers: Students from low-income families are being forced to drop out as they can no longer afford the commute to urban centers.

​The suspension of these trains is more than a logistical change; it is a direct blow to the dignity and mobility of the common man. By abandoning the ML-2, the state is effectively telling its citizens in Sindh and Balochistan that their connectivity is a luxury the government is no longer willing to provide.

​A Policy of Isolation

The suspension of these trains is more than a financial decision; it is a socio-economic blow to the people of Sindh and Balochistan. By cutting off the ML-2, the railway authority is effectively disconnecting the “Indus side” of Pakistan from the national grid. Without a transparent justification and a plan for restoration, these actions fuel the sense of deprivation and “step-motherly” treatment by the federal center.

Read: Pakistan’s Battered Communications Network

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Abdul Fattah Odhano is the resident of Ratodero, Larkana, Sindh

The post Millions Suffer as Trains Halt first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Usman Janjua

I am writing to draw your kind attention to a very serious and alarming issue faced by the general public regarding the lack of modern medical facilities in the emergency wards of government hospitals in Rawalpindi.

Emergency wards are meant to provide immediate and life-saving treatment to patients. Unfortunately, most government hospitals in our district are facing severe shortages of modern medical equipment, essential medicines, trained staff, and proper emergency management systems. Patients are often seen lying on stretchers for hours, while doctors and nurses struggle due to the unavailability of basic facilities. In critical situations, this delay can cost human lives.

It is deeply concerning that in a major city like Rawalpindi, emergency wards still lack modern diagnostic tools, functional ventilators, sufficient oxygen supply, and proper monitoring systems. Poor hygiene conditions and overcrowding further worsen the situation, increasing the risk of infections and complications.

The common people, especially those from low-income backgrounds, rely heavily on government hospitals. When emergency services fail, it not only affects patients physically but also destroys public trust in the healthcare system. Health is a basic human right, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that this right is protected.

I humbly request the concerned authorities to take immediate and serious action to upgrade emergency wards with modern facilities, ensure the availability of trained medical staff, and improve overall management. Regular inspections and accountability measures should also be introduced to prevent negligence.

I hope this letter will be taken seriously to raise public awareness so that timely action can be taken in the interest of humanity.

Read: Mental Health Crisis Deepens in Pakistan

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Usman Janjua is based in Rawalpindi

The post Rawalpindi: Public Health Alert first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Farooque Sargani

Thana Bulakhan

In Kohistan, a rally organized by Sindhi Shahgird Tahreek (QAT) Kohistan and the indigenous people of Sarri drew a large crowd from Petrol Pump to Sarri High School, in Saeei town of Thana Bulakhan, district Jamshoro, Sindh. Participants joined in chorus, demanding action on education and drug prevention, with speakers urging authorities to: stop drug supply, appoint new teachers at Sarri High School, reopen the closed school in Thana Bola Khan, and provide basic human necessities.

Amar Mushtaq Palari, a local Kohistani school teacher and poet, highlighted staffing shortages at Sarri High School, stating that only three teachers are currently on duty. Palari urged that ten teachers should be appointed to adequately serve the students.

An organizer and central leader of Sindhi Shahgird Tahreek condemned the region’s current situation, describing Kohistan as having shifted from a peaceful area to a marketplace for drug mafias. The organizer warned that drug use in the small village of Sarri is spreading and risks jeopardizing the future generation.

Speakers asserted that the crisis is largely the result of influence by feudal lords and Sardars who are believed to support outsider mafias. They called for urgent intervention by higher authorities to appoint new teachers in Sarri High School and to halt the flow of drugs to addicts in Kohistan.

A large number of residents and supporters participated in the peaceful demonstration. Protestors carried banners and chanted slogans emphasizing education and public health: “Stop supplying drugs, appoint new teachers in school, open the closed school in Thana Bola Khan, and provide basic human necessities.”

The rally underscores ongoing concerns about educational infrastructure and drug-related issues in Kohistan, particularly in Sarri.

Addressing staffing deficiencies at Sarri High School is essential for student outcomes, while curbing drug availability is seen as critical to safeguarding the community’s future.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the demands. The organizers indicated their intention to escalate the campaign through further peaceful actions if assurances on staffing and anti-drug measures are not forthcoming.

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Read: Stories in Stone

The post Kohistan Voices: Reopen Schools, End Drugs first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

Tharparkar, a vast desert district in Sindh covering over 22,000 square kilometers with a population of around 1.5 million residents living across 2,300 villages and urban settlements, faces a multitude of interconnected challenges. Divided into six talukas—Mithi, Islamkot, Chachro, Dhali, Diplo, and Nagarparkar—the region is characterized by harsh environmental conditions, recurrent droughts, and socio-economic hardships.

Since 1968, Tharparkar has experienced over 25 droughts, approximately every third year, leading to recurring famine and food shortages. These droughts, coupled with irregular rainfall and extreme temperatures, severely diminish water availability and impact agricultural productivity. Despite being rich in minerals such as coal, China clay, and granite, only a small fraction of the population benefits from these resources, while the majority struggle with poverty and unemployment.

The local economy is predominantly based on casual labor and credit, which together constitute a significant portion of household income; in contrast, agriculture and livestock contribute far less but remain the main livelihoods for nearly every household. Livestock, in particular, plays a crucial role, but the close proximity of animals to homes increases the risk of zoonotic diseases, especially affecting vulnerable groups like newborns. The district’s economy is thus heavily dependent on livestock health and pasture quality, which are essential for sustained livelihoods.

The district’s water infrastructure is in a dire state, with many Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants either non-functional or operating below capacity due to maintenance issues and lack of funding

Malnutrition rates in Tharparkar are alarmingly high, with a 2018 national survey highlighting a double burden of under-nutrition and overweight among children under five. Many children suffer from stunting, indicating chronic malnutrition, while wasting reflects acute nutritional deficits. Food insecurity, coupled with inadequate access to clean water—most groundwater sources contain dangerously high fluoride levels, sometimes as high as 32 mg/l compared to the WHO guideline of 1.5 mg/l—further worsens health outcomes. This leads to widespread waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, which contribute significantly to child morbidity and mortality.

The district’s water infrastructure is in a dire state, with many Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants either non-functional or operating below capacity due to maintenance issues and lack of funding. As a result, residents rely heavily on traditional wells, which often provide contaminated or salty water, forcing people to travel long distances in search of safe drinking water. The high fluoride content in groundwater contributes to dental issues and other health problems, severely impacting overall well-being.

Healthcare services in Tharparkar are insufficient to meet the growing needs of the population. Access to medical facilities, trained personnel, and medicines is limited, which hampers efforts to control infectious diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, as well as maternal health issues like anemia, especially among pregnant women. Early marriages and teenage pregnancies are common, compounding maternal and child health challenges. Mental health concerns, including depression and an increasing number of suicides, are linked to persistent poverty, social issues, and lack of support.

The physical environment further exacerbates health risks; the dusty, arid climate makes residents susceptible to respiratory infections. Housing conditions generally do not withstand extreme weather, causing additional health and safety concerns. Climate change is intensifying the difficulties faced by the district, with rising temperatures and infrequent rainfall worsening drought conditions and water scarcity issues. This environmental degradation affects nutrition, health, and overall resilience.

Educational infrastructure is also critically weak, especially for girls. The girl literacy rate stands at merely 23%, with only 32% literacy among women in Sindh, reflecting a severe gap in educational opportunities. Most villages lack schools, electricity, and proper roads, limiting development and mobility. Despite its mineral wealth, local communities have not benefited from resource extraction, and economic development remains sluggish.

Given these pressing circumstances, comprehensive interventions are needed. Immediate measures should include repairing and maintaining water supply systems, installing desalination plants, and deploying solar-powered water pumps. Healthcare infrastructure should be expanded with fully operational hospitals, mobile clinics, and trained community health workers. Tackling malnutrition requires establishing nutrition centers, promoting awareness, and improving food security. Livestock health must be prioritized through veterinary services, better pasture management, and promoting dairy farming to diversify income sources.

Long-term strategies should focus on improving education, especially for girls, and creating vocational training opportunities to enable economic diversification. Addressing climate change impacts necessitates better housing, sustainable water management, and resilience-building initiatives. In essence, government action combined with community involvement is vital to transforming Tharparkar into a resilient region, capable of overcoming recurrent droughts, health crises, and socio-economic hardships, and giving its people a sustainable future.

Read: Life of Compassion, Culture, and Service

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The writer is a social development professional based in Umerkot Sindh. He can be contacted by email anrahimoo@gmail.com

The post Tharparkar District Facing Multifaceted Crises first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sindh Courier Report

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest metropolis, is grappling with a burgeoning mental health crisis exacerbated by frequent and prolonged power outages. Residents across the city report heightened stress, sleep disturbances, and emotional exhaustion as they endure daily blackouts lasting up to 18 hours in some neighborhoods.

A recent study published in The Research of Medical Science Review underscores the profound psychological impact of chronic power shortages on Pakistani households. The research highlights increased stress levels, sleep deprivation, social withdrawal, and emotional burnout among individuals subjected to incessant load shedding. Participants expressed difficulties in fulfilling basic daily needs, maintaining work obligations, and sustaining interpersonal relationships. Coping strategies, such as adjusting daily routines or seeking alternative power sources, were largely ineffective in mitigating these challenges.

Residents across Karachi have shared personal accounts of the hardships faced due to power outages.  In areas like Shanti Nagar, Korangi, Orangi Town, and Liaquatabad, load shedding extends beyond 12 hours daily. The Sindhi Society of Shanti Nagar, Union Council-7 of District East Karachi, a load shedding-free area for years, was targeted last year by the corrupt K-Electric staff and officials and the residents continue to suffer even this day. Beside 10-hour scheduled load shedding, the K-Electric often suspends power supply for whole the day. On May 21 also the power supply was suspended for over 12 hours continuously. The residents of Sindhi Society, sharing their views on WhatsApp group, cursed the K-Electric management for targeting the area people without any reason.

Read – K-Electric: A Failing Monopoly Unfit to Serve Karachi

A number of residents of Sindhi Society told Sindh Courier that some officials and technical staff of K-Electric are involved in power theft, as they, with the help of some local brokers, have been supplying the power from Sindhi Society PMT through illegal connections to scores of houses in neighboring localities against monthly payment of Rs.2000 to Rs.3000 per house. The Sindhi Society residents have strongly protested against this injustice and challenged it at legal forums like Federal Ombudsman and NEPRA but the K-Electric continues defying the official orders for resolving the issue.

The residents of Sindhi Society lamented, “The continuous load shedding in this extremely hot weather has badly affected our mental health. The only thing that comes to our mind all day is, ‘there’s gonna be a power outage, when will the power be restored.'”

Read: K-Electric Defies NEPRA Instructions

Similarly, the residents of Korangi and Old Golimar recounted their miseries, as they endure power outages every two hours, leading to sleep deprivation and a lack of energy to work or even live.

The mental health ramifications of power outages extend beyond individual households. Protests have erupted across Karachi, with residents blocking roads and burning tires to express their frustration over prolonged blackouts. In areas like Liaquatabad and Azizabad, demonstrations have disrupted traffic and highlighted the community’s desperation for a reliable power supply.

Experts emphasize the urgent need for policy interventions to address the psychological impact of load shedding.  Recommendations include constructing facilities to provide mental health support and implementing strategies to ensure a stable electricity supply.

As Karachi continues to face the challenges of frequent power outages, the mental well-being of its residents remains at risk.  Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from policymakers, utility providers, and the community to develop sustainable solutions that prioritize both infrastructure and mental health.

Read: K-Electric Torments Sindhi Society Residents

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The post K-Electric Causes Mental Health Crisis first appeared on Sindh Courier.

The residents of Karachi are facing severe hardships due to frequent and prolonged power outages, even in fully paid-up, non-theft zones, amid extreme summer temperatures.

Sawera nadeem

Karachi, the bustling economic heart of Pakistan and home to over 20 million citizens, continues to reel under a crisis that seems to worsen with each passing summer: the unrelenting, unjustified, and poorly managed power outages at the hands of K-Electric. In 2025, when the world is surging ahead with renewable energy innovations, AI-powered smart grids, and 24/7 uninterrupted electricity in even remote regions, the citizens of Karachi are forced to endure hours-long blackouts — not due to lack of infrastructure or theft in all cases, but due to K-Electric’s sheer inefficiency and administrative incompetence.

A Heatwave Made Worse by Darkness

This year, Karachi has seen one of the most punishing summers in recent memory. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, temperatures have consistently hovered between 42 to 45 degrees Celsius over the past two weeks. The heat index in densely populated localities like Gulistan-e-Johar, North Nazimabad, Malir, and Shah Faisal Colony crossed 50°C, making electricity not a luxury, but a lifesaving necessity. Yet, even in these extreme weather conditions, entire neighborhoods have been left without power for 8–10 hours a day, and sometimes even longer.

Shockingly, many of these areas regularly pay their electricity bills on time and have a negligible record of electricity theft. Residents feel victimized for being honest consumers. “We are punished for being law-abiding,” says Mrs. Faiqa, a schoolteacher from Gulshan-e-Iqbal. “There are no dues on our account, yet every day, we suffer long outages without any explanation.”

K-Electric’s Failure in Numbers

According to a report by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) in early 2025, K-Electric received over 100,000 complaints in the first quarter alone, with the majority related to unannounced load-shedding, billing errors, and transformer failures. Independent monitoring suggests that Karachi experiences the highest average outage duration per household among all major cities of Pakistan.

Furthermore:

• 76% of complaints in the last six months were about power outages in fully paid-up areas.
• 58% of residents reported that they did not receive any response from K-Electric’s helplines.
• Despite promises of system upgrades, over 45% of K-Electric’s infrastructure is still outdated, with frequent transformer failures and low-voltage issues in peak hours.
• Unscheduled outages rose by 28% compared to 2024 — despite no significant increase in demand or fuel shortages.

What is even more alarming is the lack of transparency and communication. K-Electric frequently fails to issue outage schedules or give proper justifications, forcing citizens to live in uncertainty, sleeplessness, and suffocating conditions. The elderly, infants, and patients suffer the most, with hospitals and clinics also bearing the brunt of unreliable supply.

Accountability? Nowhere in Sight

K-Electric, being a privatized utility, is supposed to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction, yet it appears to operate with no fear of accountability. Despite repeated assurances to regulatory authorities, the company continues to blame external factors — fuel shortages, grid overload, or weather — without addressing its internal administrative collapse.

How long will Karachi suffer under this monopoly? Why are there no alternatives for citizens despite living in a supposedly deregulated market? Why is the government silent on these repeated violations of basic consumer rights?

Citizens Deserve Choices, Not Monopolies

In a democratic society and an open market economy, monopoly breeds corruption and complacency. It’s high time for the Government of Pakistan, NEPRA, and the Supreme Court to intervene decisively. Citizens of Karachi deserve choices — the freedom to switch to alternate electricity providers if they receive poor service.

Several countries in Asia and Africa have already implemented multi-vendor electricity models, where consumers can choose among competing companies. This competition has led to better service, innovation, and lower prices. Karachi, the city that generates over 15% of Pakistan’s GDP, deserves no less.

We urge the federal and provincial governments to:

• Break K-Electric’s monopoly by inviting other private electricity providers to operate in Karachi.
• Audit K-Electric’s performance and finances to identify mismanagement and inefficiencies.
• Implement a consumer-centric energy policy, with an emphasis on transparency, renewable integration, and fair pricing.
• Create a public grievance redressal mechanism with legal backing and fast-track court hearings for electricity-related injustices.

The Courts Must Intervene

The ongoing human suffering caused by K-Electric’s incompetence must be treated as a violation of fundamental rights. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the right to life, dignity, and equal treatment — none of which can be upheld when citizens are forced to survive in 45°C heat without power.

Read: K-Electric Defies NEPRA Instructions

The courts must take suo motu notice of this crisis and question why the people of Karachi are being held hostage by a private company with no accountability. Just as the judiciary intervenes in matters of public interest, this too demands urgent legal scrutiny and long-overdue justice.

We Are Not Living in the Stone Age

Electricity is not a privilege — it is the backbone of modern life. From hospitals and schools to homes and industries, every aspect of modern civilization relies on a steady power supply. In 2025, when smart cities are being built and electric cars are hitting the roads, it is outrageous that Karachi’s residents still suffer from 8-hour power cuts like it’s the 1970s.

The youth cannot study. The elderly cannot rest. Businesses cannot operate. Food rots in refrigerators. Patients suffer in hospitals. Is this the quality of life we signed up for?

Final Appeal

This is not just a news story; it is a plea for justice, accountability, and change. Let this article be a wake-up call to all authorities, stakeholders, and decision-makers:

The people of Karachi have suffered enough.

K-Electric has failed its consumers.

Now is the time for action — not words.

We demand:

• Immediate restoration of reliable electricity to bill-paying areas.
• An end to unscheduled load-shedding.
• Legal action against negligence.
• Alternatives and competition in the electricity market.

Because Karachi deserves better. Because Pakistan deserves better. And because electricity is not a luxury — it is a right.

Read: K-Electric Torments Sindhi Society Residents

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Sawera Nadeem, based in Karachi, is a Mass Communication student with a passion for research-based writing.  She focuses on topics that highlight public interest and social impact. She can be accessed at sawairanadeem89@gmail.com

The post Karachi’s Unending Power Crisis first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Karachi, Sindh

Residents of Shanti Nagar’s Sindhi Para, located in Union Council 7, District East Karachi, have been enduring unjust and prolonged load shedding for the past five months—an issue they claim began after they filed a formal complaint with the Federal Ombudsman. The matter has since developed into a complex legal case involving multiple agencies.

According to the residents, the complaint was originally submitted to the Federal Ombudsman five months ago. On February 11, 2025, the Ombudsman issued an order in the case, referring it to NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) due to technical reasons, with clear instructions to conduct an inspection of the area.

Subsequently, on February 19, 2025, NEPRA issued a letter to K-Electric requesting para-wise comments on the matter. However, instead of submitting detailed comments, K-Electric provided a generic report that vaguely attributed the issue to a high-loss “Pipe Factory” feeder, which, according to them, included the Sindhi Para area.

On March 17, 2025, the complainants formally rejected this report, arguing that their actual electricity supply came from the Shanti Nagar Feeder—not the Pipe Factory feeder—and alleged that this change was made secretly during nighttime hours. Evidence supporting this claim was also submitted.

The first hearing took place on March 26, 2025, where the applicants further alleged that K-Electric, in collusion with local parties, allowed illegal “Kunda” connections in areas outside Shanti Nagar Sindhi Para and failed to take action against them. They also highlighted that the Shanti Nagar Feeder, which originally supplied power to their area, was being used for power theft through the PMT (Pole-Mounted Transformer), which eventually became defaulted.

Based on these claims, NEPRA ordered an official inspection of the area, which was conducted on April 17, 2025. The inspection reportedly confirmed the residents’ allegations. The inspection team then directed K-Electric to conduct a detailed survey, prepare a mapping plan to separate the area’s power supply, and provide cost estimates (with and without financial burden on consumers) within seven days.

Despite these clear directions, during the final hearing held on May 14, 2025, K-Electric failed to submit a comprehensive report or respond adequately to the arguments presented by the complainants.

The Advisor of Consumer Affairs at NEPRA has now reserved the final decision, which is expected to be announced within the next 15 days.

The residents of Shanti Nagar Sindhi Para await justice as they continue to suffer from unmerited load shedding and poor service delivery.

Read: K-Electric Torments Sindhi Society Residents

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The post K-Electric Defies NEPRA Instructions first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Karachi, Sindh

The residents of Sindhi Society, Shanti Nagar, Union Council No. 7, District East Karachi have complained that the K-Electric has been tormenting them by conducting around 12 hours load shedding on daily basis for over last eight months.

The concerned residents said that they wish to bring to urgent attention of the concerned authorities the continuous and unjust load shedding being imposed by K-Electric for the past eight months. “Despite our timely payment of electricity bills and repeated efforts to engage with K-Electric and regulatory bodies, we continue to face harsh and unlawful electricity suspensions that have severely disrupted our lives,” they said.

Background of the Issue

Eight months ago, K-Electric arbitrarily initiated a 12-hour daily load shedding schedule in the area without any formal notice or justification. When the residents approached K-Electric officials, they were informed that the load shedding was being conducted due to electricity theft through illegal connections. In response, over 200 residents submitted their fully paid electricity bills to prove that they are legitimate consumers. However, their proof and pleas were blatantly ignored.

Residents’ Proactive Measures

Determined to uncover the truth, the residents, conducted independent surveys and discovered that hundreds of houses and shops in the adjacent areas had established illegal connections from the Pole Mounted Transformer (PMT) meant for Sindhi Society. “Our efforts forced K-Electric to take limited action: they disconnected a few illegal connections, yet left the majority intact. This clearly indicates selective enforcement and deliberate negligence.”

Regulatory Intervention and K-Electric’s Defiance

A formal complaint was filed with the Senior Director of the Federal Ombudsman, who, after hearing both parties, was unconvinced by K-Electric’s arguments and referred the matter to NEPRA for necessary action. NEPRA not only issued letters to K-Electric but also dispatched officials to survey the area. The findings confirmed the residents’ claims, and NEPRA directed K-Electric to:

1. Disconnect all unauthorized connections from the Sindhi Society PMT.
2. Install a separate PMT for the adjacent areas using stolen electricity.

To date, K-Electric has failed to act on these orders. Instead of improving the situation, they have increased the duration of load shedding, further intensifying the suffering of residents.

Current Load Shedding Schedule

As of now, K-Electric is conducting load shedding at the following times:

5:00 AM to 6:00 AM

9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon

1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

10:30 PM to 12:30 AM

Recently, an additional outage from 1:30 AM onwards has been imposed. On several occasions, residents have experienced complete power outages lasting the entire day, further evidencing the company’s high-handedness.

Corruption within K-Electric

Credible reports from within the community reveal that some K-Electric employees residing in Sindhi Society and surrounding areas are themselves engaged in facilitating power theft. They are allegedly charging Rs.2,000 per month per household from hundreds of homes, resulting in tens of thousands of rupees in illegal profits every month. This illegal activity not only causes a huge financial loss to K-Electric but also results in law-abiding, bill-paying residents bearing the burden of their corruption.

Humanitarian Concerns

This unjust load shedding in scorching summer heat has:

Adversely affected the health of children, the elderly, and sick residents; interrupted students’ studies; damaged electronic appliances due to irregular voltage and severely impacted daily life, work-from-home routines, and small businesses.

Demands

The residents demand immediate and resolute action on the following:

1. Immediate restoration of uninterrupted power supply to Sindhi Society.
2. Permanent disconnection of all illegal connections from the Sindhi Society PMT.
3. Installation of a separate PMT for the adjacent areas involved in electricity theft.
4. Internal inquiry and accountability of K-Electric staff facilitating power theft.
5. Compensation or rebate for the months of unjustified load shedding for bill-paying consumers.
6. Strict enforcement of NEPRA’s directives by imposing penalties on K-Electric for non-compliance.

Conclusion

The residents of Sindhi Society are law-abiding citizens who fulfill their obligations by paying electricity bills regularly. We strongly condemn K-Electric’s continued defiance of regulatory orders and unethical treatment of honest consumers. We urge NEPRA, the Federal Ombudsman, and all concerned authorities to take swift and strict action against these injustices and ensure the restoration of our right to electricity.

They requested the Chairman, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), Senior Director, Federal Ombudsman, Chief Executive Officer, K-Electric and relevant Government Authorities and Media Representatives to take the notice of the situation.

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Read: Stop Load Shedding in Gulshan-e-Iqbal

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