Damaging property cannot ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity.
KARACHI: This is with reference to the power riots that have been going on for the past couple of days. Several television channels have shown footage of what is happening, mostly in cities in Punjab. I have to say that while the electricity companies are very inefficient and are terrible at delivering service, the people are also to be blamed, especially those taking part in the protests. I say this because the footage showed on television would suggest that many of those taking part are vandalising public property and the look on their faces is not of sorrow or despair but rather as if they have achieved something. Most of the protests are taking place in areas where poor or middle-income people live, so the arson and vandalism is only going to make matters worse for those most affected by the power cuts.
Will damaging public and private property ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to areas where the violence is taking place? Also, how many of those involved in the protesting pay their electricity bills regularly and how many live in premises where either there is a ‘kunda’ connection or some other kind of manipulation going on to reduce the amount that would be paid to the utility?
Those protesting should stop because their vandalism is only going to destroy whatever infrastructure is left in the country.
Sayedain Jaffery
Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2011.
