KOHAT, Dec 26: Unscheduled loadshedding up to 16 hours has been reported in Kohat city and 20 hours in its rural areas and adjoining tribal areas over the last three days to the misery of the people, especially businessmen.

The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) officials blamed it on a massive crackdown on power thieves in the length and breadth of Kohat and said they had no means of informing consumers about power outages in Kohat division through media beforehand.

The situation forced people to turn to emergency generators for electricity.

Many complained that the prolonged loadshedding left uninterrupted power supply (UPS) machines and emergency lights useless for being without charge.

Students preparing for examinations at hand also complained of being stressed out by prolonged suspension of electric supply.

Bashir, owner of a departmental store, said he had to spend a huge sum of money on his petrol-fired generator.

Shopkeeper Naimat complained of power fluctuation and said it left electric appliances faulty.

Pesco officials asked Dawn to contact people at the Daudkhel grid station to know the cause of power outage. However, the telephones of the facility had a busy tone whenever dialed over the three days.

When asked power fluctuation, Pesco officials blamed it on power thieves, especially kunda users.

They asked people to inform them about power thieves in their respective areas for early action and smooth flow of electricity.

There are also reports about militant threats to Pesco meter readers and linemen in 65 per cent of Kohat areas. Officials said meter readers and linemen had been unable to enter 'B Areas' to take meter readings for several years. They said of late, a meter reader was beheaded by militants in Kharmato, while many others were attacked over a period of time.