Prolonged power cuts trigger protest in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The angry staged demonstrations in different areas of the provincial capital on Sunday against the prolonged power cuts and breakdowns.

The rallies disrupted traffic on major roads.

The street protests were staged by the residents of Lahori, Kachihi Mohallah, Zargarabad, Balamarhi, Nazar Garhi, Atta Mohammad Garhi, City Circular Road, Gulshan Rehman Colony, Kohat Road, Lalazar Colony on main Charsadda road, Sikandarpura, Ganj Chowk, Shaheen Colony, Gulberg and other areas.

The protesters lashed out at the Peshawar Electric Supply Company over failure to ensure uninterrupted power supply and said they were subjected to power outages for as many as 18 hours daily, which is not justified at any level.

The protesters also complained about low voltage, burnt tyres and blocked roads in many places, which led to massive traffic jams.

They also complain of power tripping, low voltage.

They said power cuts, which occurred at night, had made life miserable during hot and humid weather.

The protestors said life was miserable even in the daytime and no one can take rest at night due to prolonged load shedding.

The protesters also complained about water and ice shortage.

There was no water for ablution and taking bath despite humid and hot weather.

Unscheduled power outages were reported on Daudzai feeder, Shahid Bagh Feeder, Kohat Road, Ring Road, Swati Gate and Bara Gate areas, Bashirabad, Hayatabad, Gul Bahar and Hashtnagri areas as well.

Holding banners and placards, the protesters chanted slogans against PESCO and demanded smooth electric supply.

They also called for separate transmission lines for rural and urban areas.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for PESCO said the power supply system had come under severe pressure due to hot weather.

The electric overloads caused tripping and load management, he added.

The spokesman said load management was aimed at preventing massive power breakdowns mainly in Peshawar, Swat, Swabi, Bannu and other major districts.

He urged people to avoid illegal power connections and cooperate with the power company by installing power meters.

The spokesman also urged people to report power theft to take immediate action against those who were creating problems for others.