MQM seeks Centre's help to resolve KESC-Wapda row

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has demanded of the federal government to intervene and resolve the ongoing controversy of outstanding dues between Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and Karachi Electricity Supply Corporation (KESC), which is the main cause of power shortage in Karachi.
Addressing a press conference at the cafeteria of the Parliament House here on Tuesday, MQM lawmakers expressed their grave concerns over the present state of affairs in the metropolis due to frequent loadshedding and power breakdowns.
Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi, Kanwar Khalid Younus, Abdul Wasim, Iqbal Mohammad Ali, Afsar Begum and Israrul Ibad and other MNAs were present on the occasion. Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi said that due to tussle of the two power supplying authorities, Karachi has been pushed into complete darkness and anti- government sentiments have developed among the masses.
Wapda has charged the KESC of not paying Rs 5.2 billion outstanding dues for which 600-MW electricity was not being supplied to Karachi, but the latter rejected the allegation saying that it had made all payments till March 31, he said.
MQM leader also condemned the KESC's recent announcement to increase per unit rate to Rs 5.1 as compared to Rs 3.59 in other parts of the country and demanded of the KESC management to withdraw its decision.
"People of Karachi are not in a position to pay such a high power rate and we reject this decision on behalf of Karachiites" he said.
Abbas said that people from all walks of life including students, industrialists and general public are badly affected due to loadsedding and high power rate. Most of the areas remained without electricity for long hours, which multiplied the miseries of the locals, he said.
Being part of the government in centre and Sindh, MQM always opposed and rejected any such decision or government's policies, which could hurt the common man, Rizvi vowed.
"On one hand, Wapda was offering electricity to India and, on the other it curtailed the due share of Karachi " he added.
He appealed the President and Prime Minister to take serious note of the issue and resolve it before it is too late.