PESHAWAR: Leaders of various political parties have expressed concern about the growing energy crisis in the country and urged the federal government to take immediate steps for the smooth supply of electricity and natural gas to industrial and domestic consumers.

In separate statements and media talk, Pakistan Peoples Party provincial president Mohammad Humayun Khan, Qaumi Watan Party provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao and Tehreek-i-Istiqlal central president Rehmat Khan Wardag said the government’s poor performance could be judged from the prevailing energy crisis in the country.

They said the suspension of the supply of natural gas had led to the closure of CNG stations and industrial units.

The political leaders said on one hand, the supply of natural gas was suspended and on the other, the price of liquefied petroleum gas had been increased by Rs19 per kg.

They criticised the federal government over ‘failure’ to overcome power crisis and Prime Minister Imran Khan made claims about the construction of 300 dams but they had yet to be materialised.

The political leaders said the closure of industries would cause further price hike and render many people jobless.

They also said the people were suffering due to the scorching heat and prolonged power cuts but the government was indifferent to their misery.

Referring to the recently passed federal budget, Humayun Khan said increase in the price of LPG and petroleum products had exposed the tall claims of PM Imran Khan about the provision of relief to the people.

Mr Wardag suggested that the political parties raise voice about energy crisis to force the government to improve the power transmission system.

The Tehreek-i-Istiqlal chief expressed concern about the current situation in Afghanistan and said Pakistan should take appropriate measures to secure its western border as it couldn’t afford new wave of terrorism.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2021