SHANGLA:
Thousands of people in Shangla will block Karakorum Highway near Thakot on Thursday (today) in protest against prolonged power outages in the district.
Expected to lead the demonstration, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) member Sher Ali said the decision was made on Wednesday by leaders and activists of all opposition parties, including the JUI-F, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP).
The JUI-F leader said residents have been suffering relentless load-shedding for the past month, sometimes lasting up to 20 consecutive hours.
“Business activities have come to a standstill and households cannot function properly without power,” said Ali. The blockade will continue for an indefinite period of time unless the provincial government and Wapda officials restore power, he added.
Residents who previously failed to pay electricity bills have now agreed to pay 15% of past dues and will continue to pay in installments.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2014.
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