Jalozai IDPs protest suspension of power. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
A large number of internally displaced persons (IDP) protested against the suspension of power by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) to Jalozai Camp and drone assaults.
On Monday, residents of the camp took out a rally, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Khyber Agency chapter leader Iqbal Afridi, and blocked Cherat Road.
Drone strikes are an open violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and result in the death of innocent people living in tribal areas, said the PTI leader.
Afridi criticised the FATA Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) for not paying Jalozai Camp’s electricity dues to Wapda authorities. The camp has been forced into darkness since the last couple of days.
“If electricity is not restored by Tuesday, we will not allow officials to enter the premises of the camp at any cost,” stated Afridi.
On October 29, Pesco disconnected power supply once again to Jalozai Camp. This disruption affects the thousands who are forced to live there. The action taken over dues by the utility company is in violation of a Peshawar High Court order.
At the time, Pesco Sub-Division Officer Aurangzeb Khan told The Express Tribune the camp owes the utility company Rs17.5 million in unpaid bills which is why Pesco subdivision-II disconnected its supply.
“We were compelled to act after several notices were issued to the camp over the past four months.”
Pesco has launched a recovery drive across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; FDMA which caters to the provision of facilities to IDPs has yet been unable to clear the outstanding dues, the official had shared.
The suspension of power has also disrupted water supply to the camp. Clinics, mother and child healthcare units, and the camp are forced to function without light.
Over 12,000 displaced families from Khyber and Bajaur agencies are living in the camp after military operations against extremists forced them to evacuate.
In April 2012, the Peshawar High Court took suo motu notice of the non-availability of basic necessities at the camp and directed the PDMA to ensure all facilities are provided to the displaced families, including electricity, health and education.
Pesco has suspended Jalozai Camp’s power supply several times on account of unpaid bills.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th,2013.
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