BATTAGRAM: The power crisis in Battagram worsened during Eid days, with rural areas experiencing 18-20 hours of loadshedding daily. This made life miserable for residents on this festive occasion. Despite the government’s promise of an uninterrupted power supply, it remained suspended for three consecutive days, residents complained.

Residents Yasir and Mohammad Irfan said that the government didn’t keep its word on power supply. “There’s been no change in the excessive power outage schedule; it’s been 18-20 hours a day like before Eid,” Yasir told Dawn.

Irfan criticised the government, saying they should have given people relief during Eid and not ruined their celebrations.

The sudden power cuts, without notice, hurt Eid preparations. It’s not just Eid; the ongoing power issues are affecting daily life and businesses in Battagram. People are losing income, and it’s getting tough. They’re demanding the government sort this out and maybe give some notice before cutting power, the residents said.

The situation highlights the need for better power management, especially during festive periods. For now, residents are hoping for a quick fix to their power woes.

Meanwhile, one person was killed, and three others were injured when a jeep fell into a deep ravine.

The accident occurred when the driver lost control of the vehicle when it reached the Qanjbori area, resulting in the jeep falling into the ravine, claiming one life and leaving three others injured.

Rescue 1122 teams responded promptly, providing first aid and shifting the injured to the District Headquarters Hospital.

The injured included Niazullah, Zainullah, and Noorullah. The deceased was identified as Adam Khan.

Also, a search operation to find the boy who drowned in the Indus River on the second day of Eid in the Thakot area continued on Monday.

Battagram district emergency officer Jan Mohammad Afridi is personally supervising the operation.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2026