Pakistan: People demonstrate in Mohmand over prolonged load-shedding

All markets, roads and bazaars remained shut as protesters demonstrated by blocking the main Peshawar-Bajaur road to traffic in front of Ghalanai grid station.

They complained that duration of power load-shedding in rural areas was increased up to 23 hours per day during the past few months, reports Dawn News.

They alleged that electric supplies to several remote areas in the district have been suspended.

The call for the protest was given by ‘Electricity Action Committee’. The members of the committee include Malik Nisar Ahmed Halimzai, Malik Mohammad Ali Shinwari, Fazal Hadi, Safdar Khan, Zahid Khan, Abdul Majeed, Ayaz Khan and Salamat Shah, reports Dawn News.

People also demonstrated in all major markets in the area.

Addressing the protesters, local political leaders and tribal elders told Dawn News that Warsak and Mohmand dams were built near the district but people of the area were deprived of electricity.

They said that Mohmand people were deprived of their constitutional and legal rights. They alleged that natural resources of Mohmand were being usurped.

The speakers said that people provided their land for Mohmand Dam at a very low price so it was responsibility of Wapda authorities to give royalty to locals. They said that uninterrupted power supply to the area should be ensured.

The demonstrators warned they would increase their protests if their demands are not met.