Unannounced Load Shedding Continues in Quetta Despite Promises by QESCO; Citizens Frustrated

Quetta: Unannounced and prolonged load shedding in the provincial capital Quetta has made daily life unbearable for residents, as QESCO (Quetta Electric Supply Company) continues to fall short of its promises. Despite repeated assurances, electricity supply remains inconsistent, and public frustration is mounting.
According to sources, various areas of Quetta, including Balochi Street, Ten Town, Shaldara, Jinnah Town, Sariab, Brewery, Kasi Road, Hazara Town, Nawan Killi, Pashtunabad, and Spinny Road, are facing 10 to 14 hours of unannounced power outages daily. This prolonged load shedding has severely impacted businesses, students, and domestic life, especially with the scorching heat and the recent observance of Ramadan, followed by Eid preparations.
Despite several meetings and public complaints, both the Chief Minister of Balochistan and provincial assembly members appear helpless before QESCO. The promises made by the power utility company have consistently proven hollow, with no significant reduction in load shedding or improvement in the electricity distribution system.
Social and civic groups have demanded immediate and concrete actions to address the issue. They are calling for QESCO to be held accountable and for uninterrupted electricity supply to be ensured. Many warn that public protests are inevitable if the current situation continues.
On the other hand, QESCO claims it is actively working to make Quetta load-shedding free. Under the directives of Federal Minister for Energy and QESCO’s Board of Directors, Chief Executive Engineer Yousaf Shah Khan has launched a special campaign to eliminate power theft and secure electric meters across the city.
According to QESCO’s spokesperson, under this initiative, the Zarghoon Division has completed special combing and meter securing work on the Nawan Killi feeder, which has now been declared load-shedding free. Previously, the same work was completed on the Shehbaz Town feeder.
Efforts are currently underway in several key areas including Toghi Road, Kasi One, GOR Mumtaz, Nawan Killi Bypass, Kuchlak City, A-One City, Sariab One, PAF, New Jan Mohammad, Satellite Town, Khair Bakhsh Marri, and New Pashtunabad, with plans to declare these areas load-shedding free as well.
Chief Executive Yousaf Shah Khan is personally supervising the campaign and reviewing progress daily. He stated that making Quetta free from load shedding is the ultimate goal, but it requires active cooperation from consumers, particularly in stopping electricity theft and ensuring timely bill payments.
QESCO emphasized that power theft and non-payment of bills are major contributors to load shedding. The ongoing campaign not only combats electricity theft but also aims to provide stable voltage and uninterrupted power to consumers.
The company has also expanded this initiative to other districts in Balochistan, in line with NEPRA’s directives. The goal is to relocate electric meters from public spaces to secure locations, ensure accurate meter readings, and protect consumer safety.
QESCO has appealed to the public to report electricity theft, stating that this cooperation is crucial to achieving a completely load-shedding free Quetta.