Protests in Quetta Against Unannounced Gas and Power Load Shedding
Quetta:A large-scale protest rally was held on Friday in Kuchlak under the leadership of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) against the unannounced and prolonged gas and electricity load shedding. The protestors took to the streets and marched through various highways before culminating in a protest session on the Quetta-Chaman Road. The rally was led by PkMAP Provincial Secretary, Kabir Afghan, and other party leaders who addressed the demonstrators.
In his address, Kabir Afghan condemned the gas load shedding, especially during the severe cold weather, which he said had made the lives of people unbearable. “The gas load shedding and low pressure in the provincial capital during this harsh winter are intolerable,” he stated. “The gas company and the government have completely cut off the gas supply during specific hours in the peak of winter, causing immense hardship to the people.”
Afghan highlighted that along with gas shortages, the unjustified power outages were crippling daily life in the region. He pointed out that accidents were occurring frequently due to gas shortages, with people losing their lives. “Despite court orders, not only is gas being cut off, but fixed charges are still being added to gas bills,” he said. “The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and K-Electric (KESCO) officials are deliberately inflicting suffering on the people by cutting off essential services in freezing weather.”
The protestors voiced their anger over the situation, stating that children, the elderly, and women were facing severe hardships due to the gas and power shortages. “People are freezing in the bitter cold, and alternatives like firewood, LPG, and coal are beyond the financial reach of most,” said one of the speakers. “While Balochistan’s gas resources are being supplied to other parts of the country, the people of this province are deprived of this essential service.”
The demonstrators stressed that the first right to the resources being extracted from Balochistan belongs to its people. They demanded an end to the reduction in gas pressure, gas shutdowns, and prolonged electricity load shedding, urging the government to ensure the provision of basic amenities for the public.
The protestors raised slogans against the government and the gas authorities, calling for immediate action to resolve the ongoing crises and restore essential services.
