By Our Correspondent
Senior Sindh Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the federal Ministry of Water and Power and power utilities, calling the ongoing load shedding crisis in Sindh “the highest example of governance failure in Pakistan.”
Speaking in the Sindh Assembly, Memon said that despite privatization, K-Electric, HESCO and SEPCO continue to fail in providing basic electricity facilities to citizens.
“K-Electric was handed over to the private sector, but Karachi is still in darkness. This issue has been raised repeatedly in this House. All political parties agree: these companies are not delivering,” he said.
“Profits But No Service”
Memon questioned how utility companies continue to make profits while residents endure up to 18 hours of load shedding in 50°C summer heat.
“Just talking about bill collection will not solve it. We need a system at the grassroots. Those who don’t pay must face action, but those who do pay must get electricity. That is the basic contract,” he argued.
He demanded the issue be taken up in the National Assembly and Senate, adding that PPP members are already raising it in both houses.
Wider Crisis: Water, Gas, Roads
The minister expanded the criticism beyond electricity, linking it to failures in water, gas and highways.
He highlighted Karachi’s dependence on a single water source and complained that while some areas of Punjab receive subsidized water, Karachi faces a severe shortage of clean drinking water.
“This is not just about electricity. It is about the state’s failure to provide basic necessities,” Memon said.
Call For Accountability
Referring to a parliamentary committee that had summoned HESCO, SEPCO and K-Electric representatives, Memon said the meetings produced no results.
“If these institutions do not satisfy the Parliamentary Committee, they should be recalled. The same applies to gas and water institutions. If they are not accountable under the law, effective action must be taken. That is the only solution,” he stated.
