Balochistan Assembly Calls for Action Against K-Electric CEO Over Non-Attendance
Quetta:The Balochistan Assembly erupted in protest on Thursday as both government and opposition members voiced their frustration over the repeated absence of the K-Electric CEO despite being summoned multiple times. The assembly members demanded that the CEO be removed from his position and expelled from the province for failing to comply with the Speaker’s orders.
Opposition Leader Mir Younus Zehri, addressing the Speaker, pointed out that the K-Electric CEO was summoned to the chamber but instead chose to travel to Islamabad, ignoring the assembly’s directive. He urged the Speaker to take immediate action, stating, “We, in the opposition, demand that the K-Electric CEO be expelled from Balochistan.”
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) members, Mir Zabad Reki and Ghulam Dostgir Badini, also raised the issue, suggesting that the CEO may have gone to Islamabad to receive a reception from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Islamabad airport. “This is the second time the Speaker has summoned him, and he has made excuses to avoid appearing,” they said, calling for swift action against the CEO.
Balochistan Provincial Minister Saleem Khoso, speaking on a point of order, shared the public’s grievances, particularly regarding the severe power shortages. “In our region, during the summer, the temperature reached 52°C, and yet we were only provided with electricity for three hours a day. Now, in winter, we continue to face the same issue,” Khoso said. He condemned the K-Electric CEO’s absence, emphasizing that the assembly and the people of Balochistan were suffering because of the ongoing power crisis.
“As the Speaker, you summoned him, but instead of attending, he went to Islamabad. This is unacceptable, and we demand action against him,” Khoso added. He also expressed concern about the gas shortages in the province, further adding to the people’s hardships.
In response, Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, Captain (Retd.) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, instructed the opposition leader to file a **Privilege Motion** against the K-Electric CEO. “This is an issue of great concern, and the CEO’s repeated failure to attend sessions should not go unnoticed. A formal motion should be filed, and appropriate action should be taken,” Achakzai directed.
To address the ongoing electricity and gas issues, Khoso proposed that a delegation consisting of both government and opposition members be formed to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The delegation would seek the federal government’s intervention in resolving the critical utility shortages in Balochistan.
The assembly session ended with a strong call for accountability, as lawmakers united in their demand for action against K-Electric and other utility companies failing to meet the needs of the people of Balochistan.
