December 06, 2008	Saturday	Zilhaj 7, 1429

SUKKUR, Dec 5: Hundreds of protesters including JUI workers, citizens, traders and tailors staged a protest demonstration and a sit-in at Clock Tower chowk, Sukkur on Friday, against hours-long unannounced power outages and low pressure of gas.

The protesters, led by the local leaders of JUI, Moulana Abdul Haq Mahar, Qari Mohammad Abid Indhar, and others carrying placards and banners gathered at Clock Tower. They chanted slogans against the Hesco for carrying out 10 to 12 hours unannounced load-shedding. The protesters also staged a sit-in for an hour, suspending vehicular traffic.

Speaking on the occasion, the leaders strongly slammed Hesco, which once again has resorted to 10 to 12 hours unannounced load shedding. They said that despite protests by the people, the Hesco was continuing long outages, thus testing the nerves of the people.

They further said that the teasing attitude of the Hesco was becoming unbearable and they were forcing the people to take to the streets. They warned the Hesco of a strong public reaction, if they failed to stop unannounced load-shedding.

They said that people of the area had got rid of long power outages just 15 days ago and once again the Hesco resumed unannounced load-shedding. Accusing Hesco officials of corruption, they said that, long power outages were being done to conceal their incapability and to cover the line losses. They demanded of the president, prime minister, federal minister for water and power and chairman Wapda to take notice of the high-handedness of the Hesco officials.

LOW GAS PRESSURE: The protesters also slammed the Sui Southern Gas Company Sukkur officials. They said that very low pressure of gas was being experienced especially in the early morning and during nights due to which people and especially women were facing difficulties in preparing meals.