In its Monday, October 27, 2025 edition, the English daily City News Karachi published a scathing editorial highlighting the anti-state activities of K-Electric. The editorial pointed to the company’s minority shareholder, Al-Jomaih—the very entity implicated in the collapse of Karachi’s power infrastructure—as now resorting to blackmail against the Government of Pakistan.
The consumers are mystified by Al Jomaih’s behavior, and senior government officials are perplexed at the group’s antics. Investigations have revealed that Al Jomaih’s actions are part of a calculated effort to create controversy around the sale of K-Electric shares to Saudi investor Prince Mansour, in an attempt to exert pressure on the Government of Pakistan for the release of their close associate — disgraced businessman Arif Naqvi, former CEO of Abraaj Group — who faces serious international fraud charges.
As K-Electric’s minority shareholder, Al Jomaih Group has filed a legal notice to the Attorney General of Pakistan, threatening to take the country to OIC arbitration. Despite continuous engagement and support from the Government of Pakistan to resolve complaints, Al Jomaih has persisted in its hostile stance, presenting itself as the majority stakeholder of K-Electric — a misleading portrayal that undermines investor confidence and Pakistan’s goodwill internationally.
This campaign, analysts believe, is designed to pressure Pakistani authorities into intervening on behalf of Arif Naqvi, who faces up to 291 years in prison in the United States over massive financial misconduct. Meanwhile, Al Jomaih’s actions have deprived Karachi’s citizens and industries of stable electricity, fueling unrest and frustration in the business community.
Adding to the intrigue are reports linking Al Jomaih’s efforts to the case of Dr. Shakil Afridi, convicted in Pakistan for aiding U.S. intelligence in locating Osama bin Laden. Observers suggest that Al Jomaih’s moves may be part of a broader trade-off narrative involving international diplomatic leverage — a deeply troubling development for Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Arif Naqvi’s record is already marred by allegations of embezzling over $300 million from investors, including funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He was sentenced in absentia in Dubai and faces multiple convictions abroad. Despite his discredited past, Al Jomaih’s attempts to use his case to influence Pakistan’s policy are seen as an outrageous affront to national dignity.
The Government of Pakistan has been urged to take immediate notice of Al Jomaih’s coercive tactics, which threaten both the stability of Karachi’s energy sector and Pakistan’s reputation among foreign investors.
It is high time that members of the K-Electric Board and the Government of Pakistan stand up to protect the state’s dignity and put an end to this blackmail.
