KARACHI: Expressing concern over prolonged power outages particularly in underprivileged areas of the metropolis, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has asked the K-Electric to find a practical solution to reduce loadshedding, particularly in poorer neighbourhoods.
In a meeting with KE Chairman Shahryar Chishti and CEO Syed Taha here at the CM House on Wednesday, CM Shah directed the Sindh energy department and KE to jointly undertake a study on initiating a targeted subsidy programme for vulnerable electricity consumers in Karachi.
He directed the formulation of proposals to provide affordable electricity to low-income neighbourhoods and industrial areas, while stressing the need to reduce loadshedding in poor localities as summer begins.
“We want loadshedding to be reduced, especially in low-income areas, and a sustainable solution should be worked out so poor communities are not burdened by long outages,” the CM said, according to a press statement.
Body formed to propose targeted subsidy; provision of uninterrupted, affordable electricity to low-income and industrial areas
Discussing long-term solutions, the CM stressed the need to generate cheaper electricity, particularly through the utilisation of Thar coal, and proposed that low-cost electricity generated from Thar be supplied to KE so it could be provided uninterruptedly at affordable rates to poor localities.
He also said the Sindh government was exploring a partnership with KE to develop a plan for supplying competitively priced electricity to industrial areas to support productivity and reduce costs.
The KE chairman Chishti assured the chief minister that the utility was ready to work in cooperation with the Sindh government on measures aimed at relief and improved service delivery.
He observed that low-cost power generation was essential for sustainable relief to consumers.
The chief minister directed the energy department to prepare multiple proposals for providing cheaper electricity and announced the formation of a committee comprising the Karachi commissioner, energy secretary and the KE CEO.
The committee will present recommendations on supplying affordable electricity to low-income areas and explore viable subsidy and supply mechanisms.
The meeting also reviewed broader energy cooperation between the Sindh government and KE, with a focus on affordability, uninterrupted supply and support for vulnerable consumers.
Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026
