Karachi Residents Struggle with High Electricity Bills Amid Load-Shedding Crisis

Karachi's working-class residents are facing severe financial strain due to excessive electricity billing and additional taxes imposed by K-Electric. Financial constraints are compounded by prolonged load-shedding, leading to widespread frustration. K-Electric's proposed price hike further threatens to exacerbate the situation as citizens plea for relief.

Residents of Karachi are enduring significant financial difficulties due to exorbitant electricity bills and additional taxes imposed by the city's main provider, K-Electric. This situation has led to widespread frustration and despair, particularly among the working-class population already struggling to make ends meet.

Muhammad Javed, a Karachi resident, expressed his concerns over the mounting financial burden. "The government should not impose taxes; the poor are already suffering as there is no business. High bills are adding to our troubles. People living in rented houses with a rent of 12,000 rupees face electricity bills as high as 15,000 rupees. A laborer's salary ranges around 30,000-35,000 PKR. How can one pay these bills and still feed their children? This government and K-Electric are acting unjustly, oppressing the people." Another resident, Yasir, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the increasing inability to pay rising costs. "Our bills increase every month, making them unaffordable. With a monthly salary of 35,000 PKR mostly earned through daily wages, household expenses leave little to pay bills. Receiving a bill of 12,000 PKR for minimal electricity usage is unmanageable. The government is failing to address our issues," he said.

Beyond financial strain, Karachi residents face prolonged load-shedding, exacerbating daily hardships. Resident Iqbal called for immediate action, stating, "K-Electric is committing numerous injustices in Karachi. We pay taxes on everything yet face 12-hour-long load-shedding. How do we cope with outrageously high electricity bills ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 PKR, while our salaries are just 35,000 PKR? The government should remove K-Electric and consider another provider."

The discontent has intensified with K-Electric's recent proposal to increase electricity prices. According to the Express Tribune, K-Electric has requested an additional PKR 5.45 per unit under the Fuel Cost Adjustment mechanism, citing rising fuel costs. NEPRA is reviewing this proposal and evaluating stakeholder feedback before making a final decision. As residents brace for NEPRA's outcome, they are increasingly worried about managing living costs amid frequent power outages. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)