Centre, provinces will collaborate to reduce electricity losses: Leghari

National Assembly refers two bills to committees

ISLAMABAD  -  Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Tuesday said the federal government would engage with provincial governments in order to mitigate electricity losses. He stated this while responding to a calling attention notice in the National Assembly regarding un-scheduled loadshedding and overbilling in the Karachi especially in Layari and Azam Basti by Karachi Electric Supply Company.

He emphasized the need for assistance from law enforcement agencies to address the issue effectively. The minister underscored that without the cooperation of provincial governments and law enforcement agencies, controlling power issues and minimizing losses would be challenging. He also revealed plans to establish a new board aimed at enhancing governance in the sector. Addressing the specific situation in Karachi, he highlighted that electricity supply challenges in certain areas contribute to load-shedding.

He mentioned that in Azam Basti, for instance, three feeders served 12,200 consumers, leading to 10-hour loadshedding due to losses. Efforts were underway to reduce the current loss rate of 38.3%, he added. Regarding load-shedding in Layari, the minister detailed that out of 82 feeders, there was no load-shedding on 31, while others experienced varying durations of load-shedding based on losses. Providing an overview of Karachi Electric’s operations, Leghari noted that out of 2,109 feeders, 1,500 faces no loadshedding, while others were subject to load-shedding according to their loss rates. Moreover, the minister mentioned the proactive measures taken by the Sindh provincial government, including setting up over 3,000 minicamps in collaboration with Karachi Electric, to encourage bill payment and cooperation in minimizing losses. The National Assembly referred two private members’ bills and as many amendments to the relevant committees for further consideration.

PPPP lawmaker Dr Nafisa Shah moved the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Amendment in Article- 25) which was referred to the relevant committee. Meanwhile, the Chair referred another bill – the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Technology Bill, 2024 – to the committee. This legislative proposal appeared on the agenda after passage from the Senate. PPPP legislator Dr Nafisa Shah also moved amendments in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007and sought insertion of new Rule 295 and 296 after rule 294.

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