KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) – the party with the major mandate in Karachi – on Monday declared the current power crisis in the city as ‘artificial,’ DawnNews reported.

Speaking to a news conference, newly appointed member of the party’s Rabita (Coordination) Committee Haider Abbas Rizvi demanded a probe over the apparent financial dispute between Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).

Karachiites, who have been bearing the brunt of announced as well as unannounced loadshedding for the past many days, had to suffer the power utility’s wrath on Sunday when they were deprived of electricity supply for nine to 11 hours in different areas.

Sources told Dawn that KESC is pointing its finger at SSGC for short supply of gas which has led to less electricity generation.

Hence, long spells of loadshedding during which the SSGC has accused KESC of not clearing its arrears amounting to over Rs48 billion.

Rizvi alleged that supply of around 90 million MMCFD gas to Sui Northern Gas Company (SNGC) by the SSGC has led to the current electricity and water crisis in Karachi – the financial and economic hub of Pakistan. He said not even a quarter of the required water is being pumped in the system due to lack of power supply at pumping stations.

He demanded an investigation of alleged sabotage of the parliamentary committee’s decision, referring to the 90 million MMCFD gas supply.

The MQM leader admitted the dispute between KESC and SSGC is an old issue. However, he added that no payment has been delayed during the past year.

He demanded that the governor Sindh take notice of the issue, upon which, Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan summoned the heads of both parties, KESC and SSGC, at the governor house.