Authorities in Karachi have launched an investigation into the recent mysterious deaths of residents attributed to a severe heatwave and persistent load shedding, according to reports.
Following these reports, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on June 26 directed the CEO of K-Electric (KE) to submit a comprehensive report within three days.
In response to the Edhi Foundation’s statement about deaths caused by load shedding during the extreme heatwave, Director General of the Consumer Affairs Department Islamabad, Naveed Elahi Sheikh, issued a letter instructing the CEO of KE to provide detailed information regarding the incident.
NEPRA’s investigation aims to determine the number of deaths due to extreme heat, hypothermia, or electricity load shedding in recent days. This inquiry follows claims by the Edhi Foundation head, who cited reports from the victims’ families blaming the power outages, heatwave, and humidity for the fatalities.
Authorities are examining whether KE’s potential negligence contributed to the deaths. The outcome of this investigation will guide NEPRA’s future actions.
Karachi Endures Severe Heat Amid Widespread Power Outages
KE officials, however, have denied any unannounced load shedding in Karachi.
Following NEPRA’s directive, relevant authorities have started surveying various Sindh government hospitals to gather data on any deaths resulting from load shedding or the heatwave over the past week.
However, many hospital administrations have refused to provide patient data without an official letter specifically naming their hospital. Additionally, some doctors and hospital management indicated that the exact cause of death from heatstroke can only be confirmed through a post-mortem, which the families of the deceased have declined.