RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) was approached on Friday for restraining the federal government to sell K-Electric to a foreign company and for seeking hand over of the utility to the provincial government of Sindh to run and manage its affairs.

SHC has sought replies from federal government, NEPRA and K-Electric, which have been made respondents in the petition and directed them to submit their replies within one week.

Petitioner Iqbal Kazmi filed the petition against sale of K-Electric to a foreign company and prayed that its privatization should be declared null & void. He also sought handing over of KE’s management and administration to Sindh government.

A single bench of SHC comprised of Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the petition, which pleaded that article 157 of the Constitution forbids the sale of K-Electric to a foreign entity.

Petitioner Iqbal Kazmi also requested the court to issue an interim order in this regard and restrain the government from sale of K-Electric to a foreign company. He lamented that K-Electric has been sold from one company to other and now its sale to a foreign company is being reported, which would cause damage to interest of its consumers.

Meanwhile, SHC on Friday approved bail of former Superintendent of Karachi Central Jail Ghulam Mustafa Sheikh and directed him to furnish surety bonds worth rupees one million with the court. However, the court also ordered Federal Interior Ministry to put the name of Mustafa Sheikh on ECL, who has been charged alongside two other officials of central jail with negligence when two prisoners associated with a banned outfit escaped from Central Jail Karachi.

Public Prosecutor informed the SHC that accused was not cooperating with the investigation authorities about escape of two prisoners whereas investigation officer told the court that jail authorities were supporting their colleagues making it difficult for them to carryout the investigations.

Court remarked it believes in documentary proofs and directed the investigating authorities to submit written statement in the court that political interference is being made in this case.

Court expressed its annoyance over non-production of documentary proofs about any political interference. Investigation officer sought more time to conclude the inquiry.