Former Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh has raised concerns about Sindh supplying cheaper electricity to the central government while providing more expensive energy to the people within the province, as reported by ARY News on Saturday.
He commented on the recent increase in power tariffs, stating that the rising electricity prices have become unbearable and have significantly impacted the lives of the people. Imtiaz Shaikh highlighted that Sindh contributes between eight to ten thousand megawatts of electricity to the national grid through various sources such as coal and alternative energy generation.
The former minister had previously written a letter to the State Minister for Petroleum, addressing the injustices in the distribution of gas and electricity to Sindh, and urging the federal government to address these issues.
In his letter, he emphasized the acute gas shortage in Sindh, leading to gas load shedding that is affecting both the public and industries. This, in turn, is causing unemployment and economic losses.
He pointed out that Sindh produces 2.111 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/day) of gas but requires only 1600-1700 MMcf/day for its own needs. However, the province is only receiving 700-800 MMcf/day of gas from the federal government.
Imtiaz Shaikh called for a new gas allocation policy in consultation with the Sindh Government and requested Sindh's representation in federal energy regulatory bodies and K-Electric's board of directors.