K-Electric puts Pakistan’s exports at risk: KCCI

KARACHI (Commerce Reporter): Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has strongly condemned the prolonged and increasing load-shedding by K-Electric and demanded immediate relief for the city.

KCCI President Talat Mahmood expressed deep concern over reports of power outages even in areas that were previously exempted from load-shedding, calling it alarming for the country’s main commercial and industrial hub.

He said prolonged outages have brought business and industrial activities to a standstill and that the economy cannot be run by keeping Karachi in darkness.

According to KCCI, some areas are facing up to 14 hours of daily load-shedding. The chamber said every hour of load-shedding causes production losses, wastage of resources, and additional costs.

Talat Mahmood said industries are already suffering from high energy prices, rising production costs and tough competition in international markets. The power cuts are disrupting production schedules, delaying shipments and putting export orders at risk.

He pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises are the worst affected as they cannot afford expensive alternative power arrangements. Shops, markets, offices and daily wage workers are also bearing the brunt.

KCCI demanded that K-Electric immediately review its load management arrangements, make maximum use of available generation capacity, coordinate effectively with federal authorities and restore normal power supply at the earliest.

The chamber also urged the federal and provincial governments, Ministry of Energy and regulatory authorities to intervene immediately, assess the real causes of the crisis and ensure a transparent, fair and time-bound load-shedding system.

Talat Mahmood reiterated that KCCI will continue to raise the concerns of the business community at all relevant forums to ensure reliable and affordable electricity supply for Karachi’s industries and citizens.