Latest news with #RafiqSheikh
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-Electric seeks tariff cut by Rs5 per unit
Listen to article K-Electric (KE) has requested a reduction of Rs5.02 per unit in the electricity tariff for March, officials said during a hearing at the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Thursday. If approved, the reduction would provide consumers with relief worth Rs6.79 billion, KE representatives told NEPRA. The regulator completed the hearing on the fuel adjustment request and will issue a detailed decision after reviewing the data. The announcement comes as Karachi faces severe load shedding amid rising temperatures, sparking public frustration and criticism of KE during the NEPRA hearing. Consumers accused NEPRA of failing to enforce its consumer service rules and called for greater penalties against KE for extensive power outages. NEPRA member Rafiq Sheikh reprimanded KE officials over worsening load shedding, describing their distribution system as "very poor" and questioning the company's explanations. KE said its staff face attacks while disconnecting power over unpaid bills, with employees sometimes held hostage even in police presence. The company blamed load-shedding on frequent connection cuts. Sheikh rejected these justifications, stating he did not agree with the company's position. NEPRA has instructed its officials to obtain an inquiry report from KE that has not yet been shared.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Time of India
Blocked exits, packed lanes, flammable stocks, wiring mess: No change in Burrabazar in a week after hotel fire
Kolkata: A week has passed since a devastating fire at Rituraj Hotel in Mechhua claimed 14 lives, but fire safety violations continue as usual in the crammed and encroached lanes, markets, and other establishments around the hotel. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Despite a city-wide crackdown on rooftop eateries and bars following the April 29 blaze, little has changed at the epicentre of the tragedy. When TOI visited several buildings around Rituraj Hotel, it found locked terraces, obstructed exits, flammable storage in residential buildings, and illegal commercial activity thriving in residential buildings in the absence of any crackdown by the administration. Ironically, the same fire that prompted raids and closures of rooftop bars across the city seems to have made no impact in the area. Locals alleged that the administration turns a blind eye towards violations. "Isn't this the place that should have seen the strictest enforcement? But there have hardly been any checks, and violations continue as usual," said Brijesh Agarwal, a resident and a trader in Burrabazar. Even as charred debris lie in front of Rituraj Hotel, the surrounding buildings continue with business as usual. At 8 Ram Lochan Mullick Street, just behind the hotel, the staircases leading to the terrace were locked. This is despite the fact that, during the April 29 blaze, several hotel guests and staff were rescued only because they had access to the terrace. According to the National Building Code, all buildings must have free and accessible escape routes — a regulation openly flouted in Burrabazar. At 4B Madan Mohan Burman Street, several small-scale manufacturing units operate amidst several residences. The units store inflammable materialsand operate heavy machines. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Electrical wiring needs immediate overhaul. At 14 Madan Mohan Burman Street, traders turned the ground floor and shared passages of residential buildings into impromptu godowns. Cartons of fruits and packaging materials are stacked in escape routes. "This is Burrabazar — every year, some fire breaks out and people die, but nothing really changes," said Rafiq Sheikh, a long-time resident of the area, adding "there is no vigilance, no penalties, and no fear of the law." "We do inspections at regular intervals and request the traders to follow fire safety norms, but there is no compliance," said a fire department official added, requesting anonymity.
Business Recorder
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
KE-NTDC interconnection project to benefit consumers: minister
KARACHI: Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nisar Hussain Shah said that the interconnection project between K-Electric and NTDC will be pivotal in supplying affordable electricity to the electricity consumers of Karachi. He expressed these views while presiding over a review meeting held on Monday attended by K-Electric CEO, NEPRA Member Technical Rafiq Sheikh, and MD NTDC among others. The minister assured the meeting that the governments of Sindh and Balochistan would collaborate to resolve any issues hindering the project. He emphasised the importance of overcoming all obstacles for the wider national and public interest, noting that once the project is operational at full capacity, it will facilitate the supply of cheaper electricity from the national grid to Karachi, benefiting both residential and industrial users. In November 2024, the interconnection capacity is expected to reduce fuel costs by Rs.5per unit, resulting in an overall savings of Rs.24 billion, showcasing the project's potential impact. Nisar Shah said that efforts would be made to eliminate any hurdles regarding the acquisition of right-of-way land for the project. He stated that the government's focus is on sustainable and collaborative energy solutions that make electricity cheaper, support industrial growth, and ensure long-term energy security. This project is an important part of national efforts to strengthen Karachi as a central piece of Pakistan's economy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
