A protest over electricity cuts descended into a gunfight with police that left three civilians dead. - (File Photo)

PESHAWAR A protest about cripping electricity cuts in Pakistan on Friday descended into a gunfight with police that left three civilians dead, officials said.

Clashes erupted in the northwestern town of Swabi after police detained the organiser of the demonstration, which brought together about 500 people.

“Protesters attacked police and opened fire after we detained the organiser of the rally. At least three people were killed and three others wounded in the exchange of fire,” local police official Mukhtiar Khan told AFP.

Another local police official, Suleman Khan, confirmed the casualties.

Pakistan faces a catastrophic energy crisis, making life unbearable and fuelling anger at a government already grappling with devastating flooding that has hit an estimated 4.5 million people and killed 1,600.

Officials from main power regulatory authority the Pakistan Electric Power Company say the country is only able to produce about 80 per cent of its electricity needs.

The shortfall has been blamed on corruption, short-sightedness, debts, a creaking distribution system and a lack of money to invest in renewable energy as demand grows. - AFP