LHC seeks response from govt over unannounced load-shedding

Petition filed against unannounced power-cuts; LESCO, federal govt made respondents

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued a notice on Thursday seeking a response from the federal government over a petition requesting strict action against those responsible for unannounced load-shedding.

Justice Shahid Karim heard the petition earlier today, wherein the petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Azhar Siddique implored the court that the government was rendering their role “like a silent spectator and no action is being taken to stop unannounced load-shedding.”

In response, Justice Karim remarked that courts should avoid decision-making on such matters, “what can the court do?” he questioned.

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) chief, the federal government and others were made respondents in the petition.

Read Power load-shedding to be reduced to 3.5 hours from tomorrow: Abbasi

Counselor Azhar Siddique argued that unannounced load-shedding persisted for 12 hours per day, adding that the concerned quarters have failed to render their due role in controlling the crisis.

He implored the court that unannounced power cuts have made the public’s life miserable and requested that the court take strict action against those responsible.

Inflation

Meanwhile, Counselor Azhar Siddique also argued that federal and provincial governments had failed to control inflation, an added burden on the masses.

“Both governments have done nothing but make tall claims. The prices of essential food items have skyrocketed making common people unable to purchase them,” he stated.

The counsellor accused he state of failing to protect the basic rights of citizens. He requested the court take action against hoarders and those whose “negligence” was causing the economic crisis. 

As prolonged power outages roil the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on On June 4 issued stern warnings to the officials of the energy ministry to rein in the crisis without delay, telling them that failure to do so would earn them dismissal from their service.

In an emergency meeting to discuss the burgeoning crisis, the premier reprimanded the officials while rejecting their explanations for the biting load-shedding and directed the energy minister and finance ministry to plug the energy shortfall and furnish a viable plan for the same within 24 hours.

The huddle reviewed the power load-shedding situation in the country and discussed measures to reduce the electricity shortfall that has exceeded 7,000 megawatts. Concerned ministers and top officials of the power division attended the meeting.