LOWER DIR: Taking notice of frequent public protests, the district administration of Lower Dir has directed the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) to urgently repair faulty transformers, stabilise voltage levels, and limit outages duration to a maximum of 12 hours per feeder.

This was decided during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Arif Khan to tackle the escalating electricity issues in the district the other day.

The meeting was attended by Pesco Executive Engineer Abdul Rauf, Assistant Commissioner Lal Qila Baqar Ali, Additional Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Faham, and other key stakeholders. The forum reviewed outages, low voltage, overbilling, equipment faults, and widespread non-payment of electricity bills across different tehsils.

The Pesco officials reported that electricity dues in Lower Dir had reached to an alarming Rs1.89 billion. Samarbagh alone accounts for over Rs790 million with 8,324 defaulters, while Lal Qila owes Rs500 million in arrears from 5,774 consumers. Timergara and Adenzai also fall in the same category with significant defaults amounting to Rs300 million and Rs40 million, respectively.

The XEN Pesco noted that feeders with better recovery rates experienced shorter outages. He also highlighted the strain on the Khall feeder, where extreme heat has aggravated faults and voltage instability.

The deputy commissioner instructed Pesco to improve consumer response, assign technical staff locally, and enhance coordination with elected representatives. He stressed the need for regular meter readings and billing based on actual usage. He also emphasised prior public notification before outages and fault repairs.

The assistant commissioners were told to activate tehsil enforcement committees and engage local elders to help boost electricity recovery and address default issue effectively.

Gujjar qaumi movement: Founder and central president of the Gujjar Qaumi Movement (GQM), Haji Zarin Khan Gujjar, has praised Pakistan’s military leadership under Field Marshal Hafiz Asim Munir, saying it has brought global recognition and pride to the country.

Speaking to a group of local journalists at his hujra in Chakdara on Sunday, Haji Zarin said the Gujjar clan has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Army in the country’s defence, since its independence.

He stated during the military regime of Field Marshal Ayub Khan, General Zia ul Haq and General Musharraf the nation witnessed development and their policies benefitted the majority. In contrast, he alleged that democratic governments often targeted opposition parties and favoured only their own workers, and looted the national treasury with impunity.

Haji Zarin cited the recent successful performance of Pakistan Army against India and the special invitation extended to Field Marshal Hafiz Asim Munir by U.S. President Donald Trump as evidence of the military’s strong and capable leadership.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2025