SWAT: The residents of Gumbad Maira, Malookabad, Shahdara Watkey and the adjoining localities have threatened to stage protests if the prolonged gas outages did not end without delay.

“Since the winter started the SNGPL keeps the gas supply suspended to our areas most of the time, due to which we face difficulties in preparing meals,” Saira Ahmad of Gumbad Maira told reporters.

The other residents of Gumbad Maira said weather was extremely cold and they needed smooth gas supply to keep their rooms heated, especially for the elderly and children.

“During the night the temperatures dip below the freezing point, and without a heating facility our children cannot have proper sleep,” Iqbal Ali, also of Gumbad Maira, regretted.

The residents said they were forced to use costly LPG for cooking and heating.

“Every year gas loadshedding forces the people to come onto the roads,” Rahmat Ali of Shahdara Watkey said.

The residents of Rahimabad said gas supply remained suspended from 5pm till 11pm when they needed it the most for preparing meals and heating rooms. They said gas supply was also suspended in early morning.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2020