Karachi-based traders not to pay KESC bills

KARACHI (PPI) - Karachi-based traders have decided not to pay bills of Karachi Electricity Supply Company (KESC) as protest against current 70 percent rise in tariff, besides warning to put a stiff resistance if the KESC carried out disconnection operation in Karachi markets.

Talking to PPI on Monday, Chairman Alliance of Market Associations Karachi Atique Mir said Karachi-based traders have decided to not pay KESC bills till withdrawal of current rise in tariff. Special committees are being constituted in markets, which would resist disconnection operation if launched by KESC as a reply to traders’ movement.

If the KESC disconnects electricity connections of shops during the agitation movement, traders would be compelled to get electricity by Kunda (metal chain) system, he added.  He appealed to US Consul General in Karachi to use their influence on Government of Pakistan for withdrawal of currently 70pc rise in tariff of KESC.