Latest news with #Monem
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
JI accuses Nepra of displaying anti-Karachi bias
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan has accused the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) of discriminatory practices against Karachiites, criticizing the decision to burden consumers with recovery losses and imposing a higher basic tariff of Rs40 per unit in the metropolis as compared to Rs35 in other cities. In a letter to NEPRA's chairman, he condemned the authority for failing to uphold its constitutional duties, alleging clear bias against Karachi's residents. He argued that while other cities' electric supply companies are barred from passing recovery losses onto consumers, Karachi Electric (KE) has been allowed to do so, placing an unfair financial strain on the city's residents. 'Such biased decisions undermine NEPRA's claims of equality and lay the foundation for injustice,' he stated. Highlighting NEPRA's approval of a multi-year tariff, the JI leader noted that KE is set to collect an additional Rs97 billion from consumers until 2030. He also raised concerns over NEPRA's ongoing hearings regarding KE's Rs76 billion write-off claims, alleging the authority may once again favour the controversial private utility. Monem criticized KE's dismal performance, pointing out that it provides the most expensive electricity in the country while failing to address inefficiencies and alleged misdeeds. He demanded that Nepra take strict notice of KE's poor service, frequent load-shedding and questionable transactions. Additionally, he called for the revocation of KE's operating license and a forensic audit of the company's accounts to ensure transparency. The JI Karachi Chief urged the Nepra to reconsider its policies and prioritize the interests of Karachi's consumers, warning that continued discrimination would deepen public resentment. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JI intensifies protests against KE over prolonged outages
KARACHI: The simmering discontent against K-Electric (KE) in Karachi escalated on Thursday as Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) staged its third consecutive day of a sit-in protest outside the power utility's Malir IBC. The demonstration, led by JI Karachi Chief, Monem Zafar, vehemently condemned KE's "anti-Karachi policies, corrupt practices, exorbitant tariffs, and unending power outages," particularly in Malir and its surrounding areas. Addressing a charged crowd of protesters, the JI leader unleashed a scathing critique of KE, accusing the company of inflicting 12 to 14 hours of load-shedding daily in numerous neighbourhoods. He highlighted the egregious reversal of KE's earlier promises, pointing out that even areas previously declared load-shedding-free are now experiencing significant power disruptions, a testament, he claimed, to the company's "incompetence." He did not spare the government or the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) from his censure, alleging their complicity in enabling KE's "malpractices." He further lambasted ruling parties for their "deafening silence" on an issue that has plunged the city into darkness and distress. Issuing a stern warning, Monem cautioned that the ongoing unrest could spiral into a larger crisis if KE and the government fail to address the public's mounting grievances. He held both entities directly responsible for any potential "fallout" from the escalating protests. Despite the escalating tension, he reiterated JI's unwavering commitment to peaceful forms of protest, even as he condemned KE's repeated unfulfilled promises, including previous assurances of ending load-shedding and guaranteeing uninterrupted night time power supply. "The people of Karachi, especially students, are suffering agony and depression due to KE's unchecked greed," the JI Karachi Chief asserted, articulating the widespread suffering. He reiterated JI's core demand: the immediate connection of Karachi to the national grid, which he believes is crucial for ensuring "affordable and reliable electricity" for the metropolis. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JI Karachi decides to protest against water shortages
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Chief, Monem Zafar on Wednesday announced city-wide protest demonstrations on 13 major arteries of Karachi on Friday, May 16, to address the acute water shortage plaguing the city. Speaking at a press conference at JI's headquarters, Idara Noor-e-Haq, the JI leader criticized the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) government in Sindh for its 'anti-Karachi' policies and systemic deprivation of essential services. He accused the PPP, in collaboration with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, of manipulating Karachi's population count from over 35 million to just above 20 million, reducing the city's share of national resources. He highlighted the conversion of key institutions like the Karachi Building Control Authority into the Sindh Building Control Authority and the Karachi Development Authority's Master Plan Department into the Sindh Master Plan Authority, alleging these changes enabled corruption and diminished Karachi's autonomy. Monem pointed to the recurring failures of Karachi's water infrastructure, noting that an 84-inch water supply line had developed leaks six times in the past seven months, with the latest incident 14 days ago leaving large parts of the city without water. He questioned the absence of the mayor, local government minister, and chief minister in addressing the crisis. He also criticized the stalled K4 water project, initiated by the late Nematullah Khan, which has ballooned from Rs25 billion to Rs200 billion while its capacity has been reduced from 650 million gallons to 260 million gallons. He accused the PPP of enabling the tanker mafia, which profits by selling water to residents. Beyond water issues, he condemned the rising lawlessness in Karachi, stating that 42 citizens had been killed by street criminals in the past four and a half months. He also alleged police involvement in short-term kidnappings and criticized the Sindh Building Control Authority and FIA Crime Circle for supporting land and encroachment mafias. The JI Karachi Chief cited an incident where an anti-encroachment official was tortured in Korangi Town, vowing that JI would mobilize Karachiites to resist these mafias. Commenting on the recent operation 'Bunyan Marsoos' on May 10, 2025, he praised the military and called for sustaining the spirit of unity it inspired. He urged the restoration of institutions like the National Cadet Corps, Civil Defense, and Scouts to bolster national preparedness. The protests aim to demand immediate action on Karachi's water crisis and broader governance failures, with JI positioning itself as a defender of the city's rights. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
