Sindh protests against power outages

Senator Raza Rabbani says despite center’s claim that payment of circular debt would improve power crisis, situation has remained the same

As protesters demand due share of electricity for Sindh, Sindh info minister says power breakdown hampered industrial production in the port city

KARACHI

AGENCIES

Staging a protest against power outages in Sindh, Pakistan People’s Party on Sunday gave a one month ultimatum to the federal government to end the power crises in Pakistan.

The PPP protest was staged outside K-Electric head office, as several people from different areas of Sindh also staged protests and sit-ins against frequent power outages.

Addressing the protest, Senator Raza Rabbani said that “circular debt was paid so that the power crises could end soon” but the situation is still the same. He said that the privatisation of state institutions will not be allowed in any situation.

The senator also announced his support for laborers after calling Prime Minister Nawaz “a representative of capitalists”.

MPs Nauman Islam Shaikh and Nafeesa Shah led a protest at Regional Office of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). PPP workers also staged protests at Dadu Press Club against power outages.

It should be noted that protests against power outages are underway in many parts of Sindh as Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana and Jacobabad are facing power cuts of upto 18 hours.

A protest was held at Hyderabad in which citizens and PPP workers were present.

The angry citizens blocked the National Highway to protest against prolonged power load shedding at Mirpur Mathelo.

The protesters demanded that Sindh be given its due share of electricity.

Earlier, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the massive power breakdown on Friday hampered industrial production in the port city and that citizens also suffered in the process.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan directed K-electric, WAPDA and Water Board to ensure regular electricity and water supply to the people of Sindh.

Friday’s power breakdown across Karachi as well as in several parts of Hyderabad, Jamshoro and other districts of the southern province had occurred reportedly due to the tripping of production units in the National Grid Line.

The breakdown had come at a time when exporters were busy in meeting shipment deadlines ahead of Eidul Fitr holidays.

Earlier, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)’s coordination committee had also condemned the power outages, saying it is imperative that both cities had uninterrupted power supply.