ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday observed that the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) was generating its own electricity which was commendable.
The court also expressed the hope that after the announcement of new energy policy by the government, the situation of load-shedding would improve in the country. The observations came when a three-judge bench of the apex court comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Justice Gulzar Ahmed resumed hearing in a Suo-Motu case regarding the prolonged and un-announced load-shedding in the country.
During the course of proceeding, Managing Director Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) Zargham Ishaq Khan apprised to the bench that KESC was an independent private company and does not fall under the umbrella of PEPCO. On a bench's query regarding the supply and demand of electricity to the port city of Karachi, Zargham stated that PEPCO had an agreement of providing 650 Megawatts to KESC while rest of the electricity was generated by the KESC by itself.
He further stated that KESC also had as many as three Independent Power Plants working for the generation of electricity.
The Chief Justice remarked that the facts shows that the KESC was doing well and its performance should be appreciated. "If KESC is generating to meet its demand, this is commendable," the Chief Justice remarked.
However, the bench issued notice to the Chief Executive Officer KESC to present report regarding the supply, generation and demand of electricity for Karachi.
Meanwhile, the bench noted that there was a dire need to overcome the power theft in many areas of the country. The bench remarked that those who pay their bills regularly should not suffer because of electricity and gas thieves.
Chief Justice Ifthikhar Muhammad Chaudhry expressed the confidence that with the better and honest management electricity demand could be met. Later, the bench summoned chief secretaries of all the four provinces, finance secretary and the CEO of KESC.
The bench also directed the chief secretaries to appear before the court or have the Advocate Generals appear on their behalf.
The court stated that equal distribution of gas should be ensured and theft should be stopped.
Meanwhile, the bench also sought details of gas distribution and theft from the MD’s of Sui Southern and Sui Northern Gas companies and adjourned further hearing of the case till July 11.
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