RAWALPINDI: Power cuts began in Rawalpindi city and the cantonment areas on Wednesday, but an Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) official claimed they their duration would be limited.

While some areas reported low voltage, other residents complained of three to four hours without power. Along with electricity loadshedding, local residents are also facing low natural gas pressure.

Traders from Raja Bazaar have urged the government to provide electricity.

Power cuts were limited to a brief period as loadshedding is conducted on basis of necessity for half an hour to an hour, Iesco official says

“Electricity loadshedding and low voltage is a serious issue in the city areas. In some localities, electricity came for a few minutes, causing faults to develop in electronic appliances,” Mohanpura resident Safeer Ahmed said.

He added that power cuts had stopped for the last few months, saying: “We got some relief during the last month, but now it has started again in the city and cantonment areas with low natural gas pressure.”

“We have been facing electricity loadshedding for the last two days. The government’s claims to end loadshedding have proven false,” Peshawar Road resident Mohammad Anwar said.

He said the government should solve the problems facing people, such as the power cuts and the gas shortage.

“The electrcity loadshedding has led to water problems because most homes are fed water through electric pumps,” he said.

Mohammad Sajid from Akaalgarh said low voltage was a new problem, adding that his water pump and other electric appliances were out of order because of the drop in voltage.

He remarked that the city’s old problems inNaya Pakistanhad exposed the PTI government’s performance.

“Electricity was suspended for hours, from morning until afternoon, causing problems,” said Mubashir Ali from Ratta Amral.

He said local residents contacted Iesco officials but their mobile phones were switched off and their complaints line was busy.

“People are afraid that such breakdowns in the winter will increase in the coming days,” he said.

When contacted, Iesco Rawalpindi Region Superintendent Engineer Mohammad Arif admitted that power cuts had begun in Rawalpindi, but said they were limited to a brief period as loadshedding is conducted on the basis of necessity for half an hour to an hour.

He said dredging in the winter also affected the production of electricity, adding that the situation will improve in the coming days.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2019