Prolonged Load Shedding in Balochistan Sparks Public Outcry Amid Extreme Heat

Quetta: Residents of Quetta and several districts across Balochistan are facing severe hardships due to extended and unannounced power outages, with citizens accusing the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) of criminal negligence.
According to reports, electricity outages in urban areas have reached up to 10–11 hours daily, while rural regions are experiencing as much as 18 hours of continuous load shedding. The situation has worsened as temperatures soar, with Quetta recording up to 44°C, making daily life increasingly difficult for residents.
Frequent voltage fluctuations and sudden power interruptions have reportedly caused significant financial losses, with household appliances and industrial machinery worth millions of rupees being damaged. Citizens have expressed frustration over paying full electricity bills despite prolonged outages.
The ongoing power crisis has also severely impacted healthcare facilities. Both public and private hospitals are struggling to operate efficiently due to electricity disruptions, putting patients—especially those suffering from heatstroke and other critical conditions—at greater risk.
Residents say the intensity of load shedding increases in parallel with rising temperatures, compounding their suffering. Children, elderly individuals, and patients are among the worst affected.
Public demand is growing for authorities to urgently reduce load shedding hours and ensure a stable power supply, particularly in regions already grappling with extreme heat conditions.