QUETTA, Sept 24: Civic and commercial life was paralysed in the provincial metropolis and other parts of Balochistan by a major national-level power breakdown on Sunday.

Most parts of the province remained without power supply around 11 hours. The districts of Gwadar, Turbat and Panjgur were the only exceptions as these areas were getting power from Iran.

All shops and business establishments were closed before sunset causing hardship to the people who were still unprepared for Ramzan.

The provincial capital also remained in grip of rumours including the toppling of government, dissolution of assemblies and army takeover.

Newspaper offices were flooded by calls from people who were confused and wanted to confirm the rumours’ authenticity.

Power supply was restored to Quetta and other areas of the province at around 11:30pm.

The province has been facing a load-shedding of around 10 hours for the past two weeks after four power transmission pylons had been blown up in Bolan district.