KARACHI:
I have filed multiple complaints against K-Electric (KE) with the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Secretariat (WMS), but a hearing is yet to be scheduled. The delay in these hearings raises concerns about potential bias or sympathy towards KE as it is unclear why citizens are deprived of prompt relief.
My complaints mainly address KE’s subpar service and the escalating tariffs reflected in our bills. Despite these issues affecting citizens, the WMS seems to fall short in fulfilling its responsibility to address these concerns. The combination of frequent and prolonged load-shedding, along with exorbitant electricity bills, poses significant challenges for ordinary citizens. If consumers are unable to pay their bills on time, they are burdened with additional charges. This raises a pressing question: why is there no mechanism in place to hold KE accountable for the unscheduled and prolonged power outages experienced by consumers?
I request the Registrar of the Sindh High Court, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Senators, NEPRA and the honourable WMS to promptly take notice of all my complaints against KE. Additionally, I ask them to consider reducing electricity tariffs and discontinuing the ‘fuel adjustment’ charge for consumers using less than 500 units per month.
Ashfaq Sharif
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, December 26th, 2023.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
