The meeting of the Standing Committee on Power Division was held today at 03:00 p.m. at the office of K-Electric, Karachi, under the chairmanship of Mr. Muhammad Idrees, MNA. At the outset, the Committee confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting held on December 24, 2025, and examined the compliance report on earlier recommendations. The Committee expressed satisfaction over the level of compliance submitted. The agenda of the meeting included a comprehensive briefing on the performance of K-Electric during the last three years; details of electricity projects initiated with the assistance of the Sindh Government and the World Bank; the criteria and justification for enhancement of electricity tariffs in Karachi; the present status of electricity load-shedding, including areas experiencing 8–10 hours of daily outages; the social and economic impacts of load-shedding on residents and businesses; and department-wise outstanding government dues payable to K-Electric.
A detailed presentation was made by K-Electric on the aforementioned agenda. The representatives of K-Electric informed that its current installed capacity stands at 2,200 MW. Four power generation units have completed their operational life, while a 250 MW power plant has been installed at Korangi, and a 900 MW power plant is presently operational. K-Electric further apprised that electricity tariffs are increased or decreased strictly in accordance with NEPRA and Government policies, and that no load-shedding is carried out in areas where consumers pay their electricity bills regularly.
Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, MNA, inquired about the total electricity requirement of Karachi and referred to reports of 24-hour load-shedding in certain areas. In response, K-Electric stated that load-shedding is carried out only in areas with low recovery and non-payment of bills, and that there would be no electricity shortfall if all power plants remain fully operational. The Committee emphasized that uninterrupted electricity must be ensured for consumers who pay their bills regularly and sought explanations for reported outages in such areas, observing that this is a critical issue in Karachi.
Mr. Babar Nawaz Khan, MNA, proposed the installation of prepaid meters, similar to practices adopted in some African countries, and suggested launching a pilot project in Karachi to curb electricity theft. The Committee fully endorsed the proposal. K-Electric appreciated the suggestion and requested details of the pilot project and standardized cables, while also seeking legislative support in this regard. K-Electric further informed the Committee that seven grid stations have been installed during the last three years and that current electricity demand is being met through available generation. The company assured the Committee that immediate steps would be taken to further improve electricity supply in Karachi.
The Committee welcomed Mr. Babar Nawaz Khan, MNA, on his first participation in the meeting of the Standing Committee on Power Division. Mr. Sanjay Perwani, MNA, observed that K-Electric operates as a commercial entity and emphasized the need for consultation with elected representatives of Karachi to address issues of load-shedding. In response, K-Electric stated that approximately 70% of Karachi is free from load-shedding and assured coordination with parliamentarians and other stakeholders. The Chair also inquired about the utilization of smart metering in Karachi, to which K-Electric responded that prepaid metering is not considered a comprehensive solution.
The Committee constituted a Sub-Committee to address issues related to PESCO and HAZECO under the convenorship of Mr. Babar Nawaz Khan, MNA, with Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, and Syed Waseem Hussain, MNAs, as members. K-Electric also informed the Committee that Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Steel Mills, and several other government departments are major defaulters. The Committee recommended that the next meeting be convened specifically to review outstanding electricity dues against government departments. The Committee further recommended that meter installation facilities be provided to long-standing residents and shopkeepers lacking ownership documents, and directed K-Electric to formally approach the Power Division for initiating necessary legislation.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Mr. Sanjay Perwani, Mr. Babar Nawaz Khan, Chaudhary Naseer Ahmed Abbas (via video link), and Mr. Muhammad Shaharyar Khan Mahar (via video link), MNAs, along with senior officers of the Power Division, K-Electric, and PPMC.