SWAT/BATTAGRAM: The residents of Swat have complained about prolonged power outages, hitting businesses and households.

Locals said power supply was suspended from 7am until 3pm in many areas. They said even after following a schedule, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company resorting to unscheduled outages, leaving businesses, including computer shops, tailoring units, electricians, and other small enterprises, struggling to operate.

“Our businesses rely heavily on electric supply. Tailoring shops, computer centres, and electricians cannot function without power. We are losing customers and income every day,” said Imdad Ali, a tailor in Mingora.

Computer shop owners said outages disrupted their operations, leading to financial losses and customer dissatisfaction.

Federal Minister Muqam promises to address the issue soon

Residents said they regularly paid their power bills and that there was virtually no power theft in the region. “We pay bills on time, yet we are deprived of electric supply. This is unfair,” said Sabbar Ali, a resident of Mingora.

The power crisis has also taken toll on domestic life, with students unable to study during evening hours and households facing difficulties in performing routine tasks. “Our children cannot study at night due to lack of electric supply. This is affecting their education,” said Amjad Ali, a worried parent.

When contacted, Federal Minister for Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs and Safron Eng Amir Muqam told Dawn that he had talked to Pesco officials about the prolonged power outages and soon the issue would be resolved.

Meanwhile, a jirga held in Battagram the other day demanded an end to prolonged outages on the Khairabad feeder.

The participants of the forum, convened in Kuzabanda area, said the prolonged outages had become a norm, leaving residents frustrated.

The participants, including elders, youth and social activists from Banian, Trand, Kuzabanda and Gijbori union councils expressed their discontent over the excessive power outages.

They complained that despite numerous complaints lodged with Pesco officials and the district administration, prolonged power cuts continued.

Ghulamullah Torkhail, a social and political activist, said instead of resolving the issue officials filed FIRs against people, who protested the outages.

Ayaz Torkhail, a leader of Awami National Party, demanded that the authorities secure 5MW of electricity from the Allai Khwar power station, which has a capacity of 121MW and is connected to the national grid.

Ayaz argued it was the people’s inherent right to benefit from locally generated resources.

The jirga gave the district administration a 10-day ultimatum to address the issue or people would besiege the deputy commissioner’s office and block the Hazara Expressway at Kas Pul.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2025