KARACHI: Traders in the city have issued a stern warning to K-Electric (KE) against recovering its outstanding dues of Rs68 billion from compliant bill-paying citizens and businesses, threatening widespread protests if such an attempt is made.
The traders voiced their frustrations during a seminar titled “K-Electric: Responsible for Starvation and Economic Collapse” held at the Karachi Press Club on Monday. They criticized KE’s policies, accusing the utility of mismanagement and exploiting lawful consumers to offset losses incurred from illegal connections (kundas).
Mehmood Hamid, President of the Small Traders Organization Karachi, urged the government to prevent KE from unjustly transferring the burden of unpaid dues onto legitimate bill-payers. He likened KE to “the East India Company,” claiming it seeks “a legal license to loot the public.”
Atiq Mir, President of the Karachi Traders Ittehad, condemned KE’s billing policies and frequent load-shedding, which he argued have devastated Karachi’s economy, causing the closure of 90% of cottage industries. Mir warned of a boycott of bill payments if the situation remains unresolved.
Javed Abdullah, Chairman of the Confectionery Association, called on the government to address traders’ grievances and protect them from what he termed KE’s oppressive practices. Similarly, Akhtar Shahid, a leader from Hyderi Market, vowed resistance against the company, declaring traders would not retreat in their struggle.
During the seminar, Tariq Iftikhar highlighted the need for government intervention to safeguard existing livelihoods, accusing KE of extortion. Leaders of the Socho Karachi Tehreek and Cooperative Market pledged solidarity with traders and emphasized unity against pressure tactics.
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Imran Shahid lambasted KE’s customer care services, labeling them as “torture cells” where citizens, particularly women, face mistreatment while seeking billing resolutions. He demanded the cancellation of KE’s license, a forensic audit of the company, and accountability for financial irregularities.
The traders collectively warned KE not to underestimate their strength, asserting that they contribute 70% of the country’s revenue and will no longer tolerate exploitative practices. Resolving to continue their campaign, they demanded justice, accountability, and an end to KE’s monopoly, which they blame for crippling Karachi’s economy and driving citizens into poverty.
