Power Outages Spark Protests in Landi Kotal Amid Heatwave

Power Outages Spark Protests in Landi Kotal Amid Heatwave

Dil Bar Irshad | May 30, 2024 | 02:46 PM IST | Pakistan News, World | Follow on Google News

Power Outages Spark Protests in Landi Kotal Amid Heatwave

Power Outages Spark Protests in Landi Kotal Amid Heatwave

Residents of Landi Kotal town in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have taken drastic measures to address severe electricity shortages amid a scorching heatwave, according to a report by Dawn.

Key Events:

1. Protest at Local Grid Station:

• Siege: Around 100 residents, frustrated by unfulfilled promises of electricity supply, stormed the local grid station.
• Demands: The protesters, carrying black flags and chanting against the Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (TESCO), demanded the promised six hours of electric supply.
• Action: They suspended power supply to the entire tehsil, including the Torkham border, and refused to leave until a firm assurance was provided.

1. Grid Station Staff:

• Response: The grid staff filed a report but could not provide assurances without input from responsible TESCO officials.

1. Impact on Local Inmates:

• Sub-Jail Conditions: Prisoners in Bara sub-jail complained about the unbearable conditions due to excessive load shedding, with some inmates fainting from suffocation.
• Payment Issues: Despite having a meter installed and bills regularly paid, inmates faced severe power cuts.

1. Other Affected Areas:

• Jamrud: Residents of Ali Masjid, Rikiyalai, Shahgai, Ghundi, and surrounding localities experienced power disconnections due to a recent windstorm.

1. Government Response:

• Urgent Meeting: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was expected to hold an urgent meeting to address the widespread power outages across Pakistan.
• Notice: Sharif had earlier taken notice of the extensive complaints regarding power outages.

1. Financial Crisis for K-Electric:

• Warnings: K-Electric warned of cutting off power supply to Sindh government departments over unpaid dues totaling billions of rupees.
• Dues: The Sindh government and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) have not cleared payments since January, leading to maintenance difficulties for K-Electric.

The protests in Landi Kotal highlight the growing frustration among citizens over the ongoing electricity shortages, exacerbated by the heatwave. The situation underscores the need for effective management and resolution of power supply issues to prevent further disruption and hardship for the affected populations.

Source: Dawn

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.