On Thursday, hundreds of residents took to the streets in Turbat, district Kech, voicing their frustration against rampant and unannounced power outages during scorching summer hours. The protest led to road blockades, causing traffic congestion.
The demonstrators squarely blamed the Quetta Electricity Supply Company (QESCO) and the Shahi Tump Feeder for the irregular and prolonged load-shedding. For Turbat’s inhabitants, who regularly endure temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, this disruption has made daily life exceptionally challenging.
According to the protesters, the Shahi Tump Feeder frequently disconnects electricity, citing fallen supply lines or unspecified faults. They recounted that on the eve of Eid, power was abruptly cut off using various excuses, only to be partially restored during the night before being snuffed out again on Eid day.
They said that since the start of Eid, the feeder has consistently remained inactive without any apparent cause. They said that the feeder has been shut down and power cut off since Wednesday night.
The demonstrators said that if the officials fail to address the issue of unscheduled load-shedding promptly, their protests will persist indefinitely.