Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has officially directed the development of a strategic plan to provide more affordable electricity to Karachi’s underprivileged residential areas and industrial zones. This move comes in response to growing public anxiety regarding escalating power costs and the frequency of outages.
The directives were issued during a high-level briefing at the Chief Minister’s House, attended by senior government officials and the leadership of K-Electric, including Chairman Shehryar Chishti and CEO Syed Taha.
Key Objectives of the Initiative
-
Reduction in Load Shedding: The Chief Minister stressed the urgency of minimizing power cuts in low-income neighborhoods, especially as rising summer temperatures increase the risk of heat-related distress for vulnerable households.
-
Targeted Electricity Subsidies: Authorities have been tasked with designing a subsidy program specifically for deserving consumers. A feasibility study will be conducted to accurately identify beneficiaries and ensure the relief reaches those most in need.
-
Support for Industrial Growth: The plan is expected to extend affordability measures to industrial sectors to help sustain economic productivity within the city.
-
Infrastructure Improvements: The provincial government aims to use this initiative to address long-standing service delivery challenges and infrastructure gaps within Karachi’s power sector.
Chief Minister Shah emphasized that immediate and practical solutions are necessary to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens in underprivileged areas. The initiative underscores the provincial government's commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from the dual burden of high inflation and inconsistent utility services.
