11 people die from electrocution during July rains across Pakistan: NEPRA

ISLAMABAD: At least 11 people lost their lives due to electrocution during the July monsoon rains across Pakistan, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) revealed on Thursday.

The disclosure came during a NEPRA hearing in Islamabad on a petition seeking a Rs1.69 per unit reduction in electricity prices.

Expressing strong anger over the fatalities, NEPRA Member Technical Rafique Ahmed Shaikh said that the highest number of such accidents occurred in July, highlighting that six of the deaths were reported in areas falling under the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).

“Where is the IESCO CEO? How did these deaths occur in its system? What safety measures were in place?” Shaikh questioned during the hearing. He urged the power division to take notice of the situation.

He further remarked that while the NEPRA can only impose maximum fines on power distribution companies, these companies often obtain stay orders to avoid penalties.

Earlier, Shah Faisal Colony police on Thursday registered a case against K-Electric Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi and other officials after two brothers were electrocuted to death during heavy rains.

The victims, identified as Israr Khan and his younger brother Siraj Khan, were killed after coming into contact with a live underground K-Electric wire outside their residence, according to the family.

Both died instantly as floodwaters had inundated the road. The grieving family has called for strict legal action, holding K-Electric authorities responsible for negligence.