BATTAGRAM: Prolonged power outages and low voltage have hit hard the residents of Battagram district.

Ajmera, Battagram, Paimal Sharif, Peshora, Gijbori and other localities have been experiencing 18-hour loadshedding coupled with low voltage, the residents complained. They warned that if Pesco did not end the prolonged loadshedding they would block the Karakoram Highway.

The consumers alleged that the Pesco staff was deliberately carrying out loadshedding to cover power theft in certain areas. They also accused Pesco officials of not making regular meter-reading and sending them inflated power bills.

Sher Khan, a shopkeeper and resident of Ajmera, said that despite several protest demonstrations the Pesco did not take measures to end the unjustified loadshedding.

Mohammad Farhad, a carpenter, lamented that they were suffering prolonged loadshedding on one hand, and receiving inflated bills on the other.

Ibrahim, a hair dresser, told Dawn that power supply remained suspended regularly for many hours. He said due to low voltage they could not run water pumps and had to fetch water from distant areas.

Farhan Khan, a resident of Deshan area, said power supply remained suspended for days and when it was restored they experienced low voltage.

Mohammad Quraish, a resident of Gesol village, said the authorities should take notice of unscheduled and excessive loadshedding.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2019