Ahmed Khan Malik

The power sector in Sindh continues to grapple with prolonged power shortages, high transmission and distribution losses, and financial mismanagement that exacerbate broader energy crisis.

The most glaring issue in Sindh’s power sector is the staggering line losses and rampant electricity theft. The distribution companies (Discos) operating in Sindh face losses that often exceed 30% in certain districts, far above the acceptable international benchmark of 10-12%. These losses stem from outdated infrastructure, illegal connections, weak enforcement, and inadequate investment in monitoring systems, power sector experts told Wealth Pakistan.

Karachi, the province’s economic hub, faces its own set of challenges. While K-Electric has improved efficiency over the years, consumers in the city still complain of frequent outages, high tariffs, and inconsistent billing. Meanwhile, in rural Sindh, entire communities remain underserved, receiving only a few hours of electricity daily, which stifles economic opportunities and perpetuates poverty.

“Another major challenge is the mismatch between Sindh’s generation potential and the actual energy supplied to its people,” said Rehan Chisti, a power sector expert in Karachi. Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, he said that the province contributes significantly to Pakistan’s national grid — especially through coal from Thar, wind projects in Jhimpir, and solar initiatives — but does not receive proportional benefits.

“Residents often protest that Sindh generates electricity for the country but remains in the dark itself.” Rehan said Sindh holds immense renewable energy potential that remains largely underutilised. “The Gharo-Jhimpir corridor alone is estimated to have the capacity to generate over 50,000 megawatts of wind energy. Similarly, the province’s vast arid lands are highly suitable for large-scale solar farms, which could provide affordable and clean electricity.

Yet, bureaucratic hurdles, policy inconsistency, and lack of investment have stalled progress.” “Harnessing renewables on a larger scale would not only reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels but also lower the overall cost of electricity. This would particularly benefit small businesses, farmers, and low-income households who bear the brunt of inflated tariffs,” Rehan said. Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Rao Habib, an energy expert, said that revamping Sindh’s power sector requires a multi-pronged strategy.

“Firstly, Discos must be restructured to improve governance and accountability. Privatisation or public-private partnerships could help inject efficiency and reduce political interference. At the same time, investment in modern technologies — such as smart meters, automated grids, and digital monitoring — can curb theft and identify losses more effectively.” Secondly, he said greater provincial autonomy in the energy sector is crucial.

“Sindh should have more say in managing its own resources and ensuring that its people benefit from the electricity generated locally. This requires better coordination between federal and provincial authorities, along with transparent revenue-sharing mechanisms.” “Thirdly, the government must create an enabling environment for private investors in renewables,” he said, adding that clear policies, incentives, and simplified approval processes can attract both local and international investment.

“Supporting decentralised renewable projects, such as community-based solar grids, could also provide reliable electricity to remote areas where grid expansion is not viable.” The energy expert said that an efficient and reformed power sector in Sindh would yield wide-ranging benefits. “Reliable electricity would boost industrial activity, create jobs, and improve productivity in agriculture by enabling modern irrigation systems and cold storage facilities,” he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk