SWABI/MANSEHRA: Residents of Karnal Sher Khan Kili and its surrounding localities blocked the Swabi-Mardan Road for hours protesting against the excessive electricity loadshedding here on Saturday.

The charged people marched to Shewa Adda, the tehsil headquarters of Razaar, in big processions and erected blockade at the Khatham-i-Nabuwat Chowk, blocking the vehicular traffic, and chanting slogans against Peshawar Electric Supply Company and the government.

A heavy contingent of police was deployed at the site of protest to deal with any untoward incident and prevent the protesters from turning violent.

It was the first protest after the general elections and protesters demanded that in response to two-third majority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf should take steps for controlling the excessive loadshedding.

The Pesco is maintaining uninterrupted power supply to some areas while victimising the others, alleged a protester. The protesters said they remained without power throughout the previous night in the hot and humid weather. They demanded loadshedding according to a schedule. Due to the protest the commuters suffered.

Later, the protesters dispersed after police and Pesco officials assured them the power outage would be carried out according to the schedule.

In Mansehra, Pesco has been observing unscheduled loadshedding of over 8 hours a day, irking the consumers.

The power outage has been observed in Mansehra, Oghi, Balakot and other parts of district for the last one week.

“The frequent power suspensions have hit hard my business,” Mohammad Jibran, who operates a photocopier, said. He said the local traders’ body had met with Pesco officials earlier this week, demanding an end to prolonged and unscheduled loadshedding, but not to avail. Mohammad Babar, a local, said since July 25 general elections the duration of power outages had increased.

He demanded of Pesco chief to take notice of the excessive loadshedding in the district.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2018