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Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
2 Sindh-based DISCOs' working irks PD
ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has expressed displeasure at the performance of two Sindh-based power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) — SEPCO (Sukkur Electric Supply Company) and HESCO (Hyderabad Electric Supply Company). Responding to questions during a meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Power, presided over by Muhammad Idrees, Federal Minister for Power, Awais Leghari stated that the performance of SEPCO and HESCO is disappointing. Power Division is using all its influence to change the incumbent Boards of both Discos but did not succeed due to political interference by the Peoples Party. Acting CEO HESCO, who is a Charted Accountant continues to occupy the office contrary to the wishes of Power Division. Poor performance of 3 Discos earns PD's ire 'The level of losses is decreasing in other DISCOs, but in these two Companies, the loss rate is increasing,' said the Minister. In the last meeting of Standing Committee, acting CEO HESCO had challenged the claims of both the Minister and Ministry's officials about losses in HESCO. During the committee proceedings, Rana Muhammad Hayat enquired if electricity tariffs will be reduced further in the upcoming fiscal year? Nepra Chairman Waseem Mukhtar replied that as of now, the electricity rates are expected to remain the same. Rana Hayat noted that 30 per cent tariff relief has been given to industry and asked why agriculture has not been given any concessions? Secretary Power Division, Dr. Fakhray Alam Irfan stated that the relief to the industrial sector was made possible by ending cross-subsidy. PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar, who is also member of Power Committee stated that four months ago he had offered to personally remove illegal connections (Kundas), adding that they cooperated and yet the line losses are not decreasing. 'Because line losses aren't reducing, consumers are without electricity for up to eight hours. The work isn't done, yet elected representatives are blamed,' Akbar maintained. Answering Junaid Akbar, Chief Executive PESCO stated that due to cooperation there has been significant improvement, and more is expected in the next month, adding that the power utility company provides relief on annual basis instead of monthly. He, however, was directed by the Minister for Power to extend relief in load shedding to the consumers on monthly basis. The committee was informed that for vulnerable consumers, the price has been reduced by 48 to 50 percent. The number of such consumers is 17 million. Power Division has sought an increase in the subsidy of Rs. 294 billion for protected consumers. The burden of consumers' subsidies for the poor falls on the middle class. The new base electricity tariff will be implemented from July 1, 2025. The impact of the July re-basing will be reflected in the August electricity bills. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Power lines threaten Mukhi House
A month after a formal request was made, no action has yet been taken to remove hazardous electrical wires hanging from the historic Mukhi House Museum in Hyderabad. The museum's curator and administrator, Naeem Ahmed Khan, submitted a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) on April 21, 2025, requesting the relocation of electric wires entangled with the museum's structure. The letter highlighted the architectural and cultural significance of Mukhi House, which was declared protected heritage under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994, in 2018. Mukhi House was later converted into a museum and opened to the public in 2021. Located in a densely populated residential area, it now faces a serious preservation challenge: electricity to nearby homes is supplied via cables that run across and hang from the museum's outer walls, some even strung across windows and fastened to its original iron grills. The letter warned that these power lines not only compromise the visual integrity of the site but also pose a serious threat to the building's structure - particularly its wooden doors and windows - in the event of an electrical malfunction. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Hyderabad, the Deputy Director (Heritage/Admin), and the PS to the Director General of the Sindh Culture, Tourism, Antiquities, and Archives Department. Yet, despite the passage of a full month, officials have taken no action. Restoration work is currently underway at Mukhi House after years of delay. Museum staff caution that if the hanging wires are not removed soon, a large portion of the museum's outer wall may remain unrestored and unpainted, defeating the purpose of ongoing renovation efforts. Window to past Also known as Mukhi Mahal, the building was constructed in 1920 by Mukhi Jeth Anand, a prominent member of Hyderabad's Sindhi Hindu community. The architecture of the mansion combines Renaissance, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau styles, featuring stained glass windows, intricately carved wooden details by Indian artisans, and marble accents. The house comprises 12 rooms, two grand halls, and a spacious central courtyard along with a smaller rear courtyard. In a notable moment of pre-Partition history, India's future Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru stayed at Mukhi House with his family - a visit now commemorated with a rare photograph on display at the museum. After Partition, the Mukhi family remained in Hyderabad until 1957 before migrating to India. The building was subsequently occupied by various government departments, including the Settlement Office and a girls' school. It also suffered damage during periods of political unrest in the city. It was not until the tenure of former District Nazim Kanwar Naveed Jamil that a decision was made to preserve the site. In 2008, the Mukhi family relinquished formal ownership under the condition that it would be preserved and opened as a public museum. Restoration began in 2009 under the Sindh Government's Department of Archaeology, and by 2013 the museum opened its doors to the public. Mukhi House today hosts a collection of personal memorabilia, historical photographs, and cultural artifacts donated by the Mukhi family - an effort to preserve not only their legacy but the broader cultural history of Hyderabad. The building, located near Chaari at Homestead Hall, remains a popular attraction for both local and visiting tourists. However, the entangled power cables, particularly at the rear of the building, continue to mar the structure's historic charm and pose an ongoing threat to its preservation. Unless immediate steps are taken to address the issue, a vital piece of Sindh's heritage may face further degradation.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Hyderabad swelters at 43°C amid power woes
The temperature has increased to 43 degrees Celsius in Hyderabad with a rise in heat intensity, according to the Meteorological Department. The hot winds have confined the citizens to their homes. The worst load shedding of electricity has made life miserable for the residents. Heat intensity is gradually increasing in the city and its surroundings. The scorching weather engulfed the city on Thursday morning, and the heat intensity was observed to increase throughout the day due to the brightness of the sun and the strong, hot winds. There was an unusual silence on the roads and in the markets throughout the day. Most of the citizens remained confined to their homes; however, those who ventured out to carry out their daily routines were seen taking various precautionary measures to protect themselves from the heat and scorching sun, including the consumption of cold drinks. According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature in Hyderabad reached 43 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while the temperature on Airport Road was recorded at 42 degrees Celsius. The humidity ratio in the air was at least 88 per cent in the morning and at most 37 per cent in the evening. The speed of the hot winds blowing from the southwest direction was recorded at 29 kilometres per hour. Moreover, HESCO authorities, displaying their traditional stubbornness, have further increased the duration of long and unannounced load shedding of electricity during this intense heat. Announced load shedding of electricity is being carried out for ten to twelve hours in urban areas and for 14 to 16 hours in rural areas under HESCO, while additional power cuts, cited as faults in feeders, have become a norm — alongside intermittent power cuts from morning until late at night. As a result, the citizens — especially those who are staying at home — are facing severe problems during this intense heatwave.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Scorching heat persists in Hyderabad
The intense summer heat continued unabated in Hyderabad on Sunday, with temperatures soaring to 41°C. A brief spell of light rain in the evening brought short-lived relief to residents, but soon after, large parts of the city were plunged into darkness due to widespread power outages. Water supply was also severely disrupted in many areas. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the maximum temperature recorded was 41 degrees Celsius with humidity at 37 percent. The scorching sun kept streets deserted during the afternoon, and despite the weekend, most markets saw little to no footfall. Around 5pm, weather patterns shifted with overcast skies and gusty winds blowing at speeds of up to 37 kilometers per hour from the southwest. Shortly after 6pm, light drizzle, misty showers, and brief rain fell in parts of Latifabad, Qasimabad, Kohsar, and central Hyderabad. While residents welcomed the rain, their joy was cut short as electricity supply was disrupted almost immediately. In many areas, including Latifabad Unit No.6, electricity was suspended for two to four hours following even minimal rainfall. Residents of Muslim Rajput Colony reported that their feeder shut down at 5 PM and remained offline for nearly four hours. The disruption in electricity also affected water pumping stations, leaving residents unable to store drinking water - especially problematic since most areas receive water supply in the evening hours. Adding to public frustration, frequent power tripping was reported throughout the day, with ten- to fifteen-minute blackouts every hour, even during scheduled supply windows. Despite multiple attempts, HESCO officials could not be reached for comment regarding the cause of the outages or the state of the transmission system affected by wind and light showers.
Business Recorder
04-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
HCSTSI urges to end power outages
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), President Muhammad Saleem Memon, has strongly criticized the non-serious and negligent behaviour of the HESCO Chief, stating that his failure to take corrective measures has caused significant harm to the commercial and industrial sectors of Hyderabad. He stated that the chamber has repeatedly issued official letters and reminders urging HESCO to put an end to the ongoing unannounced power outages in the SITE industrial area, but no serious action has been taken to date. This inaction clearly reflects HESCO's inefficiency and apathy. Saleem Memon further expressed deep regret that despite committing to meet the business community of Hyderabad, HESCO Chief has failed to honour his promises. Instead of engaging with the legitimate representatives of SITE industries, he is reportedly holding discussions with unauthorized individuals who have no legal standing or stake in the industrial zone. This is a highly unprofessional and unacceptable approach, which shows a complete disregard for the actual concerns of the business community and ignorance of the industrial sector's contribution to the economy. HCSTSI President highlighted that both scheduled and unscheduled power outages are occurring during peak business hours in SITE and other parts of the city. This has made it nearly impossible for traders to carry on their businesses, while industrialists are unable to complete their production orders on time, resulting in cancellations and severe blows to exports. He also raised serious concerns about the excessive electricity billing to SITE industries. These bills have crossed all reasonable limits, and regrettably, there is no responsible authority in HESCO willing to justify or clarify the inflated charges. This unjustified overbilling has caused widespread frustration and anger among industrialists and is a matter of grave condemnation. Moreover, due to persistent power outages, civic institutions such as Hyderabad Development Authority, WASA and other government departments are unable to perform routine operations, paralyzing normal urban life. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
