On July 5th, the Government of Pakistan issued a notification for the fourth increase in electricity tariffs within a year, setting a new record
KARACHI: According to the Power Division’s notification, the tariff for 201 to 300 units per month has increased by Rs. 7.12, reaching Rs. 34.26. For 301 to 400 units, the tariff has gone up by Rs. 7.02, making it Rs. 39.15. The rate for 401 to 500 units has increased by Rs. 6.12 to Rs. 41.36, and for 601 to 700 units, the tariff has risen by Rs. 6.12 to Rs. 43.92. The tariff for 701 to 800 units now stands at Rs. 48.84 after an increase of Rs. 6.12. Since 2022, the average price per unit of electricity has increased by Rs. 18, severely affecting the common man.
Karachi Electric (KE) has faced significant backlash from the public due to prolonged load shedding, which has persisted for over two decades. Protests and sit-ins have been organized across Karachi, with Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi consistently raising its voice against KE. However, these efforts have seen limited results due to alleged support from the Pakistani elite and government for KE.
The Human Rights Organization Pakistan has appealed to lawyers, the Karachi Bar, and the High Court Bar to hold KE accountable for deaths caused by heatstroke, accusing them of criminal negligence. In response, Advocate Abid Hussain, Convener of the Lawyers Committee for Public Rights, led a protest at the City Court Karachi on July 20, 2024, with participation from social media and NGO representatives.
It has been reported that Abid Hussain plans to file constitutional petitions against KE in the Session Court and High Court soon. The public is urged to continue their protests against the excessive billing and taxes imposed by KE, as efforts to end their oppressive practices and secure justice for Karachi’s residents continue.
