KOHAT: The residents of Junglekhel area, including women, blocked a busy road here on Tuesday to protest excessive electric loadshedding in the scorching heat.

Deputy commissioner Dr Azmatulah Wazir sent assistant commissioner Usman Ashraf to hold talks with the protesters, but he failed to make the people end their protest.

After remaining on the road for seven hours in sizzling heat, the protesters lifted the road blockade and left for their homes.

A protester said instead of giving relief, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company had registered 17 FIRs against the protesters for demanding their ‘constitutional’ right.

On the other hand, talks between MNA Shehryar Afridi, deputy commissioner Azmatullah Wazir and Pesco officials failed to produce any result.

The Pesco executive engineer told the MNA that loadshedding duration could not be reduced as power theft was rampant in the area and arrears amounted to billions.

YOUTH CONVENTION: Speakers at a youth convention held here on Tuesday called for their say in policy and budget making.

The convention was called to provide a platform for students to discuss and draft their demands and recommendations for the upcoming budget. It was held at Government Technical Vocational Centre, Kohat.

The speakers emphasised that youth’s role was indispensable in the country’s development. They called for launching initiatives to promote youth entrepreneurship. They also demanded including environmental education in school curricula.

SECTION 144: Deputy commissioner Dr Azmatullah Wazir on Tuesday imposed Section 144, banning fireworks, burning of grass for cooking, smoking and campfires for 30 days in order to protect wildlife and forests.

Similarly, swimming in dams and canals was also banned, according to a statement. The deputy commissioner asked the people to avoid lighting fires in forests for joy as they not only harmed forests but also killed wildlife.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2024