Karachi: In a significant crackdown on electricity theft, K-Electric, with the support of law enforcement agencies, has conducted 78 anti-kunda operations over the past three months in Lyari, successfully removing 7,400 illegal connections that were siphoning off electricity. These operations have collectively removed over 9,100 kg of illicit wiring from the utility’s network, curbing the theft of approximately 1.1 million units of electricity.

According to K-Electric, the removed illegal connections not only posed a significant risk to the integrity of the power infrastructure but also to public safety, as they bypassed the network’s essential safety protocols. The crackdown led to the filing of two FIRs and four cases registered with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), highlighting the seriousness of the offenses.

Electricity theft remains a pervasive challenge in Karachi, impacting the utility’s ability to provide reliable service. K-Electric highlighted that nearly 70% of its network is now exempt from load shedding thanks to ongoing efforts to reduce losses. In areas where theft and unpaid bills have decreased, load shedding has been significantly reduced or eliminated.

In addition to enforcement actions, K-Electric is taking proactive steps to engage the community in Lyari. The company has initiated building inspections and collaborated with community leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal connections, commonly known as kundas. This community engagement is further supported by increased complaint resolution efficiency, awareness sessions, and the distribution of informational pamphlets.

K-Electric continues to urge customers, local representatives, and community leaders to promote timely bill payments and discourage practices that endanger the power supply, emphasizing that collective responsibility is key to ensuring uninterrupted electricity for all.