SWABI: The jirga members of Zaida and local traders in their separate gatherings have demanded of the government to help stop unscheduled power outages, which have been affecting the people.

They said that they were optimistic that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government would ensure smooth supply of electricity in the country, but it seemed that this summer would be worse than the previous years.

The Zaida jirga members said that power outages must stop otherwise they would have no option, but to stage protest demonstrations while blocking roads.

They said that there was no schedule of outages and the Peshawar Electric Supply Company staff could suspend or resume power supply anytime at will. They said that with the suspension of electricity the complaint office staff either kept their phone busy or dodged the consumers though different tactics, mostly saying the supply had been stopped from Mardan.

Liaq Khan, district president of Anjuman-i-Dokandaran, said that prolonged outages had been affecting business activities in the district and it was responsibility of the government to ensure smooth power supply.

Rukhsar Ali of Maneri Bala said that two days ago the power supply was suspended at night and then restored in the morning. The students who would appear in inter examinations of Mardan board from April 16 said that their studies were being affected due to outages, especially during night.

TWO KILLED: A 16-year-old Afghan refugee drowned in Pehur High level Canal while one person was killed in a road accident on Sunday, police said.

Obiadullah, who lived in Gandaf refugee camp, had gone with his friends to the canal and during bathing he slipped into deep water and started crying for help to his friends, but they could not save him. Later, local divers recovered the body which was handed over to his family.

In another incident, a peon of government higher secondary school Bamkhel, identified as Saqib Khan, was killed in a road mishap when his motorcycle collided with another bike.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2019