Unannounced gas outages provoke outcry in Rawalpindi

Residents stage protest sit-in on Murree Road

RAWALPINDI:

Consumers in Rawalpindi took to the streets on Wednesday against the unannounced load-shedding of gas, which had affected various densely populated areas.

The demonstrators, consisting of both domestic and commercial consumers, voiced their frustrations by chanting slogans directed at the Sui Southern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) and the federal government. Among them were women protesters from domestic households who threatened to besiege the central office of the SNGPL unless gas services were promptly restored.

The impact of this protest was felt beyond just the gathering itself, as it significantly disrupted the traffic flow to and from Islamabad. To manage the situation, traffic police had to implement alternative routes to ease the congestion caused by the sit-in on Murree Road. The protest drew a large crowd, including women and children, who brandished placards bearing messages critical of sitting and the government's handling of the gas supply issue.

Protesters highlighted that several areas, including Bhabhra Bazaar, Bani, Waris Khan, Saidpuri Gate, Chah Sultan, and Kartarpur, had been experiencing gas shortages for the past two months. This shortage not only inconvenienced households but also posed challenges for businesses reliant on gas. Despite numerous complaints lodged with the gas department, no remedial action had been taken, prompting protesters to escalate their demands by threatening to encircle the regional Sui Northern Gas office if their grievances were not addressed promptly.

One woman protester, while expressing her grievances, lamented the difficulties of managing daily meals for her children without a gas supply, compounded by hefty gas bills that strained the family budget. The protest also resonated with workers like Umair Khan, employed at a tandoor in Bhabra Bazaar, who feared that continued gas shortages could force the closure of his workplace, leading to job losses for several breadwinners.

The protest's impact rippled beyond the immediate vicinity, causing long queues of vehicles along the route from Committee Chowk to Islamabad via Murree Road. Traffic wardens had to reroute vehicles to mitigate the congestion caused by the demonstration. Meanwhile, SNGPL authorities attributed the gas shutdowns to ongoing road construction projects and maintenance activities, citing safety concerns due to gas leaks discovered during excavation work. They assured consumers that gas services would be fully restored once repair and maintenance tasks were completed.

Amid assurances from the administration regarding the imminent restoration of gas services within two days, the protesters decided to conclude their sit-in, leading to the resumption of normal traffic flow on Murree Road.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2024.