The Sindh High Court has issued notices to K-Electric and other parties over excessive power outages in Karachi.
Residents in the port city are experiencing severe electricity load shedding, with outages in some areas lasting up to 18 hours daily.
Justice Faisal Kamal of the Sindh High Court heard a petition filed by nine town chairmen from Jamaat-e-Islami, challenging load-shedding carried out on the basis of line losses.
During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel argued that K-Electric is conducting up to 18 hours of load-shedding daily, in violation of its own policy. Despite filing complaints with NEPRA, no decision has been made so far.
Justice Faisal Kamal remarked that the court is well aware of how load-shedding is being implemented and understands the situation in the city. He said, “We live here and know exactly what K-Electric is doing; we understand the hardship faced by citizens.” He also noted that this matter should have been referred to a constitutional bench.
The counsel responded that regular benches have previously heard similar cases and clarified that the petitioners are seeking a declaration rather than an order. He requested the court to direct NEPRA to take action against K-Electric for unjustified load-shedding.
The court later issued notices to K-Electric and other respondents and summoned NEPRA’s regional head on July 25.
