Karachi Electric (KE) Chief Executive Officer Moonis Alvi has acknowledged that the city is grappling with massive electricity theft, disclosing that there are between 400,000 to 600,000 illegal connections (kundas) in Karachi. He emphasized that KE alone cannot eliminate power theft or confront the public.

Speaking on Aaj News’ program News Insight, Alvi said electricity tariffs are determined by the government, and KE does not have the option to supply free electricity. “These kundas cannot be removed all at once,” he stated, adding that illegal connections often return after being disconnected.

Alvi revealed that on 150 feeders, the company suffers an 87% loss, yet electricity is still being provided to those areas. “In Ibrahim Hyderi, residents expect free water and electricity,” he said. He also admitted that not all 12,000 employees of KE are free from wrongdoing, and some are involved in illegal activities.

The KE chief further added that power distribution is a necessity: “We cannot selectively provide electricity to some areas and deny it to others.” He stated that KE’s distribution losses currently stand at 15%, which is significantly lower than before privatisation, when losses were nearly double.

Alvi pointed out that bill recovery remains a major challenge in 900 informal settlements where 300 feeders are located. He also shared that KE has a $2 billion investment plan aimed at improving poles, grids, and overall infrastructure. Despite the substantial investment, he noted, “foreign investors are operating at a negative 1% profit margin, and KE has not made a single penny in profit.”

In a rare moment of candor, Alvi concluded by saying, “We can’t fight theft alone. It requires community cooperation and systemic support.”