Islamabad: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Government Assurances has instructed the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) to halt unannounced power outages in Karachi, following complaints of unscheduled loadshedding. The committee emphasized that paying consumers should not be penalized due to non-payment by others. It has also directed KESC to avoid billing consumers based on average consumption.

During a meeting chaired by Ms. Nuzhat Sadiq, the committee reviewed assurances made by ministers regarding various issues. These included overbilling in Karachi, establishing a Protectorate of Emigrants Office in Mansehra, road rehabilitation in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and gas overbilling in Balochistan.

KESC management reported a Rs.44 billion accumulation of unpaid bills, kunda culture, and non-metering in 2024. The committee urged KESC to work closely with Karachi’s elected representatives to address these issues and plans to review progress after thirty days.

The committee expressed satisfaction with the government’s decision to establish the Protectorate of Emigrants Office in Abbottabad, near Mansehra, to serve the Hazara Division and surrounding areas. This decision was communicated by the Director General of the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment.

Further discussions focused on road repairs in flood-affected areas and the Chakdara-Upper Dir Road. The National Highways Authority was tasked with expediting these projects and preparing for the upcoming monsoon season. The committee also requested details on the road maintenance budget.

Regarding gas overbilling in Balochistan, officials from SSGCL stated that a special tariff was being charged per a Balochistan High Court direction, pending a Supreme Court decision.

The meeting included participation from several members of the National Assembly, government officials, and department representatives.