Prolonged, Unannounced Power Outages Make Life Miserable in Quetta: PKMAP

QUETTA: The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) Quetta district has expressed serious concern over prolonged and unannounced power outages in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, saying the situation has made life extremely difficult for residents.

In a statement, the party said hours-long electricity suspensions amid intense summer heat were causing severe difficulties for children, elderly people, patients, students and the business community. Frequent power interruptions have also badly disrupted routine life, it said.

The party said power outages and low voltage had also triggered a serious shortage of drinking water as Wasa and Public Health Engineering (PHE) tube wells remained shut due to electricity problems.

According to the statement, severe load-shedding is continuing in several areas connected to feeders including Kachlak, Hanna Urak, Nawan Killi, Killi Nasaran, Saraghurgai, Tareen Shar, Zarghoonabad, Kotwal, Killi Umar Khan, Chashma, Alamo, Killi Barat, Killi Shabo, Deba, Huda, Tarkha, Pashtun Bagh, Kharotabad, Sabzal Road, Sarpol, Spini Road, Samungli, Nohesar, Ghabarg, Baleli, Sariab, Musa Colony, Khilji Colony, Hazarganji, Takhtani Bypass, Bhosa Mandi, Satellite Town, Mahmoodabad, Pashtunabad, Shaldera, Sarki Road, Jan Muhammad Road and New Jan Muhammad Road.

PKMAP said the negligence, poor administrative performance and incompetence of the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) had become intolerable.

The party noted that consumers regularly paid heavy electricity bills but were still being deprived of a basic facility, describing the situation as highly regrettable and anti-public. It said electricity was being suspended in several areas without any clear schedule, while delays in repairing even minor faults were causing residents hours of hardship.

The party called on QESCO to fulfil its responsibilities instead of subjecting the public to further difficulties. It warned that if the power situation was not improved immediately, citizens reserved the right to stage strong protests and raise their voices for their basic rights.

PKMAP demanded an immediate end to unannounced load-shedding in all affected areas of Quetta, the issuance of a clear and regular power supply schedule, and effective measures to address public complaints.