A member of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led a protest against power loadshedding in Peshawar on Saturday, forcing his way into a grid station to restore electricity.
According to a spokesperson for Peshawar Electric Supply Corporation (PESCO), MPA Fazal Elahi and a group of protesters surrounded the Rehman Baba Grid Station. The protesters, accompanied by Elahi, forcibly entered the station and switched on nine feeders, which are considered high-loss feeders due to extensive electricity theft and unpaid bills.
"The feeders activated include those in Hazarkhwani, Yakatoot, Akhunabad, New Chamakani, Surizai Bala, Shalozan, and Qalandarabad," the PESCO spokesperson said. "These feeders have losses exceeding 80% because of electricity theft and non-payment of dues. We are actively working to reduce these losses."
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Following negotiations between Elahi and PESCO officials, an agreement was reached, resulting in the resumption of power supply to Hazarkhwani and other affected areas from the Rehman Baba Grid Station. It was agreed that loadshedding would not exceed 10 hours.
During the talks, Elahi assured his cooperation in eliminating the illegal 'kunda' system, which involves unauthorised connections to the power grid. Subsequently, he called off the protest, and the demonstrators dispersed.
"We are working to reduce loadshedding in the area," said Alamzeb. "Community leaders have pledged to ensure the payment of outstanding dues."
Elahi commented, "WAPDA is also our department, and it faces staffing shortages. We will eliminate the 'kunda' culture and electricity theft in the area. WAPDA must ensure the issuance of monthly bills."
