Following a contentious standoff between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco), a resolution has been reached regarding a revised loadshedding schedule in the province. This agreement was forged during a meeting between the provincial chief executive and the head of Pesco in Peshawar, offering a glimmer of relief to the populace amidst the scorching summer heat.
Expressing outrage at the prolonged and unannounced power outages in KP, CM Gandapur had issued a stern warning on Wednesday, threatening to seize control of Pesco’s headquarters unless the federal government promptly curbed the duration of power cuts in the province.
In their discussions, the KP chief executive and the Pesco chief reached an understanding to shorten the duration of power outages across the province. Consequently, areas previously enduring 22 hours of loadshedding will now face 18-hour power cuts. Similarly, regions experiencing 18-hour power outages will see a reduction to 14 hours.
To ensure the enforcement of the revised schedule, CM Gandapur emphasized that Pesco officials would meet with the chief secretary, and strict action would be taken against any executive engineer found exceeding the designated loadshedding duration.
While expressing readiness to engage in dialogue with the federal government to address electricity-related issues, CM Gandapur asserted that talks would only proceed once immediate relief was provided to the public. He indicated the provincial government’s willingness to alleviate the burden on citizens by offsetting dues owed to the Centre.
Attributing line losses in the province to the federal government and Pesco, CM Gandapur criticized the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led administration for expensive electricity and severe loadshedding. He demanded that KP’s outstanding dues of Rs1.51 trillion under Net Hydel Profit be settled by the federal government.
Highlighting the economic challenges faced by his government, CM Gandapur disclosed a deficit exceeding Rs450 billion and lamented the drastic increase in electricity rates from Rs15 to Rs65 per unit. He asserted that his intent was not to seek charity but to advocate for fair treatment of KP residents by the federal government.
