Opinion

Effect of Power Theft on Communities

Electricity theft, commonly known as the "kunda system," is a pervasive issue in Pakistan, significantly undermining the country's energy sector and its economic stability. It is estimated that electricity theft costs the nation around PKR 600 billion annually. This staggering loss accounts for approximately 20-30% of the total electricity generated, with reports indicating that around 40% of power losses in...

Opinion

Negative Impact of Power Theft

It is frustrating if you face long power outages despite being a responsible citizen and paying bills on time because you live in an area with a high prevalence of power theft.  Electricity theft and non-payment of bills are two major factors that determine the loss profile of an area. This implies that many power...

The recurrence of Gas cylinder explosions: endangering lives

In Pakistan, the supply of substandard gas cylinders threatens the people, forcing them to fend for themselves. The explosion of gas cylinders at home has caused numerous fatalities and injuries in past years.  Last year, at Rawalpindi, a mother with two children succumbed to burnt injuries from gas leakage at home due to a spark in the...

Illegal workshops selling substandard and old transformers in Hyderabad, despite several crackdowns

In Hyderabad, illegal workshops repair broken or old transformers for sale onwards. Despite several crackdowns by HESCO and FIA, these informal facilities continue to operate and produce substandard and unsafe equipment. Such activity is a crime and raises the risk to public safety and other types of electrical accidents including fires. Why isn’t there strict action...

Nawabshah: 2 of 3 children who were burnt, breathed their last in transformer explosion

Nawabshah: 2 out of 3 children have died after succumbing to burnt injuries.  Later in July, the transformer exploded, and hot oil poured on 3 minors while playing. Children were transferred to the hospital immediately in Karachi. According to the staff, the children were in a critical state. According to 24Newshd, children including Deepak (12), Ratan (11), and...

Dangling wires on street endanger lives in Pakistan

In Pakistan, intertwined wiring through electric poles or lampposts hanging uncovered on streets threatens the residents. The danger strengthens during the monsoon, especially for the children who play on the streets in the rain. In some places, the cluttered wires are too low to be touched. This hazard is strongly noticeable and neglected. These wires...

Mangroves that save Karachi from environmental catastrophe, sadly, at the peril of being severed

Mangroves grow in a mix of fresh and salt water, preventing cyclones and flooding. Unfortunately, tons of mangroves are being cut down, potentially posing a severe environmental hazard. For example, trees were felled for the development of Ocean View high-rise buildings, constructions, and industrialization. In addition, mangroves in the forest provide refuge for shorebirds, which...

Larkana: Repairman of power company electrocuted; expires due to critical injuries.

This could have been avoided. An unfortunate incident occurred when an employee of Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) was electrocuted during maintenance work on power lines at Miro Khan. Nazar Muhammad Tuinio, was critically injured after the incident and was rushed to Chandka Medical College, Larkana before submitting to his injuries. The practice of safety begins...