Pakistan is dealing with a scorching summer of high temperatures accompanied by plenty of humidity, both of which make the weather unbearable. The effect of the weather is only being exacerbated by loadshedding. Loadshedding takes place in order to either manage the load -- so as to save the system from tripping -- or as a punishment for areas involved in electricity theft or the nonpayment of bills, in which case not only the electricity thieves but also those who pay their electricity bills regularly suffer. Recently, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and PTI workers have taken the law into their own hands and are forcibly restoring power supply to affected areas, thus challenging the writ of the state and endangering the entire electricity supply system of Pakistan. Such irresponsible acts aimed at boosting one’s popularity are jeopardizing national assets and inviting extreme measures from the state. The saner elements in the party should now act and take control of affairs in KP as the party is already in trouble due to the May 9 incident.
Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi