Balochistan High Court Takes Stern Action Over Load-Shedding; Show-Cause Notices Issued to Chief Secretary and CM’s Principal Secretary

Quetta: The **Balochistan High Court** has taken strict notice of the **prolonged and unjustified load-shedding** across the province, issuing **show-cause notices** to **Chief Secretary Balochistan Abdul Aziz Aqeeli** and **Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Imran Zarkoon**.

During the hearing, the court expressed strong displeasure over the **unsatisfactory responses** submitted by government departments and directed both senior officials to appear **in person at the next hearing**.

The bench remarked that **consumers who pay their electricity bills on time cannot be punished** for the actions of defaulters. The court instructed the **National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)** and **Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO)** to take **immediate and effective measures** to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the province.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that **QESCO’s report did not reflect ground realities**, prompting the court to intervene further.

The High Court also ruled that **disconnecting electricity connections under the Tube Well Solarization Policy is illegal**, ordering an immediate halt to such actions. Moreover, the provincial government has been directed to **consult with the federal authorities** to devise a **permanent solution to the load-shedding crisis** and submit a progress report at the next hearing.

The case has been adjourned until **October 28, 2025**.