Despite announcing at the most 4.5 hours of power load shedding in the city during Ramazan, the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) failed to deliver on its promise and continued with eight hours of electricity shutdowns in most areas, even during Sehr and Iftar.
On the first day of Ramazan, the normal power load shedding schedule of eight hours went ahead as usual in Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Gulistan-e-Jauhar.
Besides reducing power shutdown hours, the power utility had also announced not carrying out load shedding during Sehr, Iftar or Taraweeh prayers; however, the KESC failed to honour its commitment.
Amid the power outages, citizens had to face immense difficulties in preparing for Sehr, Iftar and during Taraweeh prayers.
The worst-affected areas were in the Malir Town, as Hasan Mujtaba Town, Kehkashan Society, Alfalah Society, Shamsi Society and Alfalah Society plunged into darkness at 6 in the morning and despite the passage of 17 hours, power supply was still not restored in the areas. The electricity supply to Block 6 of PECHS was suspended at 9:00 am and restored at 6:00 in the evening.
Zeeshan, a resident of Hassan Mujtaba Town, informed Pakistan Today that electricity went off in the area early morning.
“We lodged numerous complaints at KESC Helpline 118 but in vain. There is no water in the tanks of houses and even mosques. How do we perform Wudhu (ablution) and offer prayers,” he complained.
A resident of Alfalah Society, Salman, said that there has been no electricity since morning and even his generator has stopped working. “We had to go to a relative’s place to break our fast.”
When the KESC spokesman was approached for comments on fake promises made by the power utility, he asked Pakistan Today to send him the house address, assuring that the problem will be addressed.
Ramazan or not, KESC doesn’t care a tad bit
