Not only has Business Recorder op-ed writer Ali Khizar appropriately diagnosed the condition of K-Electric, he has also presented in his article ‘Dealing with KE’ carried by the newspaper on Sunday a useful and informed analysis on the role of various discos in the electricity transmission crisis in particular. It is quite true that the utility had seen a massive turnaround a decade ago. For quite some time, however, its performance has become quite questionable; it has been attracting criticism for genuine reasons. That the situation is grim for KE is a fact that has found its best expression from the fact that it is now facing a serious challenge to its exclusivity. As argued by the writer, KE needs a massive dose of fresh investment. It is therefore important that the utility is handed over to Shanghai Electric without any further loss of time. The Chinese company will surely be making new investments in KE’s transmission network in particular. I wholeheartedly commend the writer for his following perspective: “The company needs fresh investment. But for that, the management has to be transferred to new hands. This stalemate has halted the process of improvement in KE. Now, there are talks on removing the exclusivity of KE in transmission and distribution in Karachi. At first, how can this be done when the company has contractual rights of exclusivity till July 2023. This may create another Reko Diq. Plus, Shanghai Electric might not complete the transaction in such a case.”

NASIR BEG (ISLAMABAD)

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020