BNP demands end to gas load-shedding in Balochistan

QUETTA:

The Balochistan National Party (Mengal) staged a protest in Quetta and other parts of the province on Friday, vehemently opposing the persistent and unannounced gas load shedding.

Outside the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) office, a multitude of BNP supporters gathered, expressing discontent with the ongoing load shedding despite the onset of harsh winter conditions.

Led by Mir Ghulam Nabi Marri, the protesters demanded an immediate cessation of unannounced load shedding. Placards and banners adorned with poignant slogans against the SSGC were wielded during the demonstration. Party members and the public alike voiced their grievances, citing prolonged periods of unannounced load shedding that have rendered life unbearable, especially in the severe cold of Quetta and other Balochistan regions.

The demonstrators urged both provincial and federal governments to intervene urgently and rectify the situation. Emphasizing a firm stance on the province’s resources, they criticized the irony of Balochistan, a gas-producing region, facing such unwarranted disruptions in gas supply.

Expressing dissatisfaction, speakers warned of an impending prolonged sit-in if authorities failed to address the issue promptly. They urged the government to prioritize the welfare of domestic users and the general public, particularly given the scarcity of firewood. The speakers highlighted the critical need for immediate relief in light of the unavailability of firewood, a stark contrast to previous years.

It’s worth noting that Balochistan experiences tragic incidents each year, with dozens losing their lives in gas leakage incidents leading to explosions and extensive fires during unannounced load shedding. Despite these incidents, the SSGC absolves itself of responsibility, advising people to take precautionary measures.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2023.