Karachi court has ordered K-Electric to pay Rs13.5 million in compensation after a man died from electrocution while trying to save a child during heavy rainfall in the city.
The court ruled that K-Electric was negligent in maintaining its electrical infrastructure. According to the judgment, the existence of live electric current in a public utility pole showed serious failures in safety precautions.
The incident took place in 2019 when a local resident, Sheikh Saad Ahmed, came into contact with an electrified pole while attempting to rescue a child during rain. He later died due to electrocution.
Court documents stated that residents had repeatedly complained about the dangerous pole before the incident. However, no effective action was reportedly taken to fix the issue.
During the hearing, lawyers representing K-Electric argued that the pole did not belong to the company. They claimed the electric current came from wires connected to private generators in the area.
The company’s legal team also argued that the victim knowingly entered a dangerous location, which contributed to the accident.
The court rejected these arguments and stated that power distribution companies have a greater responsibility to protect public safety. The judge observed that the presence of private wires does not remove K-Electric’s duty to ensure safe electrical systems in public areas.
The court also recognized the circumstances surrounding the victim’s actions. According to the ruling, the law gives special consideration to people who risk their lives to save others during emergencies.
The judgment described Sheikh Saad Ahmed’s actions as an attempt to save a child during dangerous weather conditions. The court said such efforts should be viewed with sympathy and legal leniency.
As part of the final decision, K-Electric has been directed to pay Rs13.5 million to the victim’s family and legal claimants. The court ordered the compensation amount to be released within 90 days.
The case has once again highlighted concerns regarding electrical safety during Karachi’s monsoon season. Electrocution incidents linked to exposed wires, faulty poles, and poor infrastructure have remained a serious issue in different parts of the city.
Critics and residents have often called for stronger safety inspections and faster maintenance work to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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The latest ruling against K-Electric is being seen as an important legal decision regarding public safety responsibilities and accountability in utility services.
