A significant workshop on “Affordable Energy” was organized by Naya Daur Media at a local hotel in Karachi. The event focused on Pakistan’s growing energy crisis, soaring electricity bills, K-Electric’s monopoly, and the lack of coherent government policies.
Key speakers included Junaid Naqi, President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry; MQM Member of the Provincial Assembly, Taha Ahmed Khan; and renowned journalist and environmental analyst, Afia Salam. They openly discussed the challenges surrounding the current energy crisis.
During his address, Junaid Naqi highlighted that Pakistan currently consumes around 30,000 megawatts of electricity. Despite making billions in payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) under various contracts, both the general public and industrialists remain burdened by high electricity bills.
He mentioned that although some expensive contracts have been canceled, there has been no significant reduction in electricity costs. He criticized the tendency to label industrialists as tax evaders, stating that flawed government policies are largely responsible for the deepening energy crisis. Naqi proposed that markets and shops should open earlier in the morning to take advantage of daylight and conserve energy.
MQM MPA Taha Ahmed Khan harshly criticized K-Electric’s performance, stating that the time has come to end its monopoly in Karachi. He emphasized the need to allow other companies to enter the power distribution sector. Khan added that overbilling and severe load shedding have become a torment for citizens, and the CEO of K-Electric is unresponsive to public concerns. Despite paying bills, residents still suffer from unrelenting power outages.
Veteran journalist and environmental expert Afia Salam linked the energy crisis to climate change, noting that environmental shifts are deeply connected to energy challenges. She stressed the need for serious policy-level action to ensure meaningful relief for the public.
The speakers agreed that Karachi’s residents are currently grappling with severe shortages of electricity, water, proper roads, and other basic services. Monthly increases in fuel adjustment charges have made life even harder for the lower and middle-income segments of society.
Naya Daur Media Editor Raza Rumi stated that the purpose of this workshop is to raise awareness about affordable electricity. Citizens in Karachi and across the country are deeply troubled by high electricity bills, and there are widespread complaints against K-Electric.
He added that monthly increases in electricity bills under the guise of fuel adjustment charges have made life increasingly difficult for the middle and lower-income segments of society.
The workshop by Naya Daur Media not only spotlighted the energy crisis but also brought forward various stakeholder perspectives and potential solutions.
In conclusion, participants emphasized the importance of holding such discussions regularly to ensure sustained and coordinated progress on public issues.
