In a rare demonstration of unity, members from both the treasury and opposition benches of the City Council came together on Monday to denounce K-Electric’s prolonged loadshedding amidst scorching temperatures. The council, presided over by Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, convened at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) head office, where a series of 13 resolutions were unanimously adopted.
The meeting, characterized by a congenial atmosphere, saw a notable absence of the ruckus and protests that often punctuated previous sessions, particularly from members of the Jammat-i-Islami (JI). Notably, the council commenced by extending felicitations to council member Hafiz Naeemur Rahman on his election as the chief of the JI, a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill and collaboration.
Expressing solidarity, the council also conveyed congratulations to Asif Ali Zardari on his second term as civilian president and to Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari on her unopposed election to the National Assembly, earning the status of First Lady. Members across the aisle exchanged mutual appreciations, with special mentions for Mayor Wahab’s appointment as provincial government spokesman and PPP’s Najmi Alam’s designation as an adviser to the chief minister.
The focal point of the session, however, revolved around a resolution condemning K-Electric for its failure to ensure uninterrupted power supply, particularly during the prevailing hot and humid weather. Members decried the utility’s actions, citing increased loadshedding and disruptions in areas exempted from such measures. The resolution highlighted the adverse impact on citizens, including disruptions to water supply and hardships faced by students during examinations.
Emphasizing citizens’ grievances, the council demanded strict action against K-Electric and urged the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to intervene, ensuring consistent electricity provision. Additionally, members called for affordable electricity rates and summoned KE’s top management to elucidate their stance before the council.
In a proactive move towards healthcare reform, the council formed a committee to explore public-private partnerships in KMC-operated hospitals, aiming to enhance service quality and accessibility. Furthermore, a resolution was passed to rename the children’s ward at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital to Waseela Jahan Children Ward, honoring a notable figure in the community.
The harmonious session concluded with the adjournment of the house to a later date, reflecting a promising display of cross-party collaboration in addressing critical issues affecting the city’s populace.