Who is responsible for the current power crisis in Karachi? Why did the crisis develop and who is behind it? According to knowledgeable people in the water, electricity, oil and gas sectors, it is primarily the government that is responsible for the water and electricity crisis in Karachi.
The prevalent perception is that the government is paid taxes by all citizens but, in return, provides facilities only to the affluent class or its own officials. There are reports that government and private institutions collectively owe to each other a sum of Rs 192 billion and the government is just a silent spectator in this whole scenario. The way things stand, it is only the government that can resolve the issue as it is the guarantor of uninterrupted supply of basic necessities to the people.
For their part, the utility providers are said to be also violating their agreements with the government in their effort to stay viable. If the government is really serious about solving the issue, it should pay its dues to the Water & Sewerage Board, KESC and SSGC and put a lasting end to the problem. The government will pay these dues not out of its own pocket, but out of the money it receives from the public in the form of taxes.
Given the scenario, it will not be incorrect to blame the government for the current crisis. It is evident that government representatives do not care for the problems ordinary citizens are facing as they don't have to pay their bills. This is the reason why citizens of Karachi are being made to face the ordeal of excessive load-shedding. How long will this situation last? It's a million dollar question and only the government can answer it.