The debate intensified sharply after Monis Alvi accused Jamaat-e-Islami members of showing “too much love” to the company, sparking fierce reactions across the assembly
By Salman Shah
KARACHI: Members of the Sindh Assembly voiced strong dissatisfaction with K-Electric CEO Monis Alvi during a heated session in Karachi, reflecting widespread public frustration over persistent power outages that continue to plague the city. The meeting, charged with tense exchanges, revealed deep fissures between the utility company and elected representatives, who accused the management of neglect and unresponsiveness to Karachi’s urgent electricity needs.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Muhammad Farooq recalled a commitment made in the previous assembly meeting — a promise that night-time load shedding would be eliminated. He demanded clarity on when and by whose approval the power distribution schedules were altered, highlighting disconnect between official assurances and the harsh reality faced by residents.
Monis Alvi countered by insisting that load shedding does not occur during extreme heatwaves of 45 degrees Celsius, a claim quickly challenged by Farooq who sharply questioned when Karachi ever experienced such soaring temperatures. The debate grew more pointed when Monis Alvi remarked that Jamaat-e-Islami members showed “too much love” to the company, a comment met with a fierce rebuttal from Farooq, who suggested that his party was even considering taking control of the power distribution company.
The session grew no less tense as other members joined in raising serious concerns. Pakistan Peoples Party’s Asif Musa highlighted efforts by certain traders aiming to bring in their own electricity providers, efforts reportedly resisted by K-Electric. Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Balqis Mukhtar criticized Monis Alvi for dismissing the assembly’s issues, accusing him of failing to take notes or show the seriousness the crisis demands.
From Lyari, independent lawmaker Sajjad Somro expressed frustration over the CEO’s frequent use of his mobile phone during the proceedings, interpreting it as a sign of disrespect to the assembly’s mandate. Saadia Javed of the PPP pressed for an apology from K-Electric officials over harsh remarks reportedly made against a member of the provincial assembly during the previous session, warning that refusal to apologize could lead to their removal from meetings.
In response, Monis Alvi did issue an apology on behalf of K-Electric, but it did little to ease tensions. The session ended with members united in their resolve to hold K-Electric accountable for the ongoing power crisis that has severely affected Karachi’s residents. Some threatened to boycott future assembly sessions unless clear steps are taken to provide relief.
