Traders Reject Extended Gas Load-Shedding in Quetta
Quetta:** Traders in Quetta have strongly rejected the newly announced gas supply schedule, terming it “unacceptable” and “ridiculous” after the duration of load-shedding was increased from six hours to more than 15 hours a day.
Spokesperson for the Central Traders Organization Balochistan, Kashif Haideri, criticized the decision while speaking to delegations from مختلف علاقوں at his office in Hazara Town. He said that despite paying high utility bills, the public continues to be deprived of basic facilities.
Haideri urged the gas company to abandon what he called “anti-public policies” and ensure uninterrupted gas supply. Representatives of the Transporters Association, including Jan Muhammad Hazara, Izzatullah Kazmi, and Nasir Haideri, were also present on the occasion.
He alleged that the Sui Southern Gas Company has a history of ignoring public concerns, adding that both traders and citizens are already struggling with prolonged electricity outages and soaring utility bills.
“Middle-income households are receiving bills ranging from thousands to even lakhs of rupees, yet when it comes to service delivery, the authorities remain unresponsive,” he said.
Haideri noted that the increase in gas load-shedding hours across Quetta and other parts of Balochistan reflects policies that are detrimental to the public. He added that people had protested throughout the winter over gas shortages, but their concerns were not addressed.
He further criticized the recent notification, saying it effectively legalizes extended gas outages.
Calling for immediate intervention, Haideri urged the Balochistan High Court and higher authorities to take suo motu notice of the situation and direct the company to ensure uninterrupted gas supply.
