Why karachi industries not paid covid electricity subsidy parliament body asks NEPRA

A recent parliamentary committee session questioned the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) about the apparent exclusion of Karachi’s industries from receiving the COVID-19 electricity subsidies. The subsidies, designed to alleviate economic pressures on industries during the pandemic, have been inconsistently distributed, with Karachi industries particularly affected.

The Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers (PALSP) and other industry bodies have raised concerns over this discrimination. Although the government allocated substantial funds for the subsidies, a significant portion meant for Karachi’s industries remains unpaid due to bureaucratic hurdles and disagreements over subsidy distribution between the federal government and K-Electric. This has led to financial strains on the city’s industrial units, which are already grappling with high energy costs, threatening their competitiveness and survival.

NEPRA and other authorities have been urged to address this disparity, as the ongoing delay in subsidy distribution could result in further economic downturns and potential protests from industrial stakeholders.