Prolonged power outages forced people across Punjab, and even in the Tribal Areas, to take to the streets in protest for the second day running, forcing them to burn tyres and block several main roads across the province on Sunday.
There were protests in several parts of Lahore on Sunday against massive load shedding, as the city suffered blackouts for several continuous hours that paralyzed routine life.
Electricity in majority of Lahore remained shut in the morning and was only restored in the afternoon.
Every nook and corner of the city was deprived of electricity for more than 16 hours on Sunday, a holiday wherein the demand is usually quite less than in weekdays. The power demand remained at 13,500MWs while the generation dropped to 8,000MWs, creating a shortfall of 5,500MWs.
Citizens staged protests in Walton area, Mustafabad, Mughalpura, Township, Johar Town, Green Town and several other areas. Frustrated and defiant, traders of The Mall also staged a protest against the power outages. They chanted slogans against the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) for depriving them of power. The protesters expressed their anger against the government and PEPCO for continuous load shedding. “Four hours of load shedding after every hour. Haye Bijli,” said a Facebook user from Lahore on his page.
“There will be all-out dark in the coming years,” said another.
Meanwhile, a private TV channel put the toll at 6,500MWs.
Protests: There were protests in Gujranwala as well, where residents took to the streets, burnt tyres and disrupted traffic on the main GT Road.
Police resorted to aerial firing and hurled teargas shells to disperse them while the agitators tried to keep riot police at bay by hurling stones.
The people of Faisalabad protested in a unique style: dancing to the tune of dhols (drums) as they burnt tyres and blocked the traffic. Hundreds of factory workers and labourers protested the massacre of industry in Faisalabad.
According to details, protesters blocked the Narh Wala, Jhang and Samundri Roads by burning tyres and placing big hurdles.
They shouted slogans against the government and WAPDA and demanded an end to prolonged and unscheduled load shedding. The angry protesters also broke signboards installed along roadsides, outside commercial centres and atop markets’ roofs.
SSP Operation Sadiq Dogar arrived to meet the protesters for a dialogue, but eventually decided against discussing the issue with an angry mob.
People in Attock also staged a demonstration against prolong unscheduled power load shedding at general bus stand on the main Attock-Kamra Road. Also, hundreds of tribesmen in North Waziristan Agency protested against continuous power cuts and warned the political administration to take appropriate steps to tackle the issue within 24 hours, or else be ready to face a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike against WAPDA authorities.
Malik Mir Jannat Khan, Malik Zardad Khan, Malik Inamullah, chief of Toorikhel tribe Malik Ghulam and others were leading the protest rally which culminated at the Miranshah Press Club.
Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) Director General Rafiq Qureshi said on Sunday many power plants had been shut down due to non payment to independent power producers (IPPs) and discontinued supply of oil, which had raised the power shortfall to 6,500MWs.
Talking to reporters, he said the issue of outstanding dues of Rs 152 billion could not be resolved between the banks, oil companies and IPPs. He said all resources would be utilised for resolving the power crisis.
Qureshi admitted that due to interference of the government, load shedding was not being carried out in the country on an equal basis.
The Ministry of Water and Power said total power generation was 7,010MW whereas the demand was 13,240MW.
President: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday took notice of massive load shedding and ordered that a Rs 152 billion-bank guarantee be cleared immediately.
According sources within the Ministry of Water and Power, President Zardari had directed that payments owed to IPPs and oil and gas companies be cleared. The Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited has been directed to start gas supply to 10 power plants by halting supply to other industries. The sources said that by supplying gas to power plants, 4,000MWs could be generated within 24 hours.
Driven to the edge
