Load Shedding Crisis in Pakistan Essay Example

present government in Pakistan is widely considered one of the worst in history. This is evident through the broken promises of the Water and Power minister to eliminate load shedding by December 2009. Despite it now being 2011 and approaching 2012, the crisis has only worsened. The government appears helpless and lacking any plan to address the situation. The unpredictability of load shedding compounds the issue, as there are times when it briefly appears to be resolved, only to recur soon after.

Despite the government's promise, load shedding continues to plague Pakistan, with major cities experiencing 8-10 hours of power outages and rural areas enduring 12-14 hours of outages. The Energy crisis has become a national disaster, as the situation has not improved since December 31st, 2009. This ongoing crisis is having a significant impact on businesses.

Without electricity for more than 8 hours, business operations can be severely disrupted. All aspects of businesses and marketplaces rely on electricity, so without power, it becomes impossible to work. Consequently, many businesses are suffering and some have no choice but to shut down. Although purchasing a generator is an option, the expenses associated with running it are too high for most business owners. As a result, shop owners are forced to close and offices waste valuable time waiting for the power to be restored.

The IT industry has been greatly impacted by the Energy Crisis, leading to a significant decline in productivity. Among various industries, the IT sector has borne the brunt of this crisis due to its heavy reliance on electronics, computers, and power-related technologies. Previously a rapidly growing industry in Asia, the

IT sector is now facing severe challenges as a result of the energy shortage. To cope with these difficulties, companies within this industry have been compelled to strive and make drastic cost-cutting measures in order to stay afloat.

The energy crisis has had a negative impact on the economy and the job market in the country. What is alarming is that many people are still not fully aware of the potential devastation it can cause to our economy. International Aid is not a long-term solution; it can only provide temporary relief. The widespread power outages have led to massive protests in Pakistan and have further damaged already struggling businesses. This information was reported by a private television news channel on Sunday.

After enduring power outages for extended periods, the people reacted with intense mass protests, expressing their dissatisfaction with the government through slogans, tire-burning, road-blocking, and other forms of civil disobedience. In an interview with a television channel, one protester described life as a living nightmare. To worsen matters, the police responded by forcefully dispersing the protesters and using batons against them. The already burdened protesters became victims of police brutality, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals who were then thrown into jail. The situation in Gujranwala mirrored that of other affected areas, with frustrated residents resorting to setting tires ablaze on the GT Road. Similar discontentment has also gripped Faisalabad.

The city in Pakistan known as the Manchester has been heavily affected by loadshedding, experiencing power outages lasting 14-18 hours. This has had a devastating impact on its once renowned textile industry, which is now in a state of decay.

In Chichawatni, people protested at a grid station, but their efforts were in vain as it did not bring them the desired outcome. Meanwhile, in Sialkot, a major hub for the export industry, traders who have suffered from load shedding organized a complete shutter down strike. This strike was called for by Markazi Anjuman Tajran Sialkot to protest against the daily power outages lasting 20 hours. The traders kept their shops closed and staged a large demonstration at Allama Iqbal Chowk to express their frustration with the prolonged power outage.

The traders donned black arm bandages and held agitational banners and placards. They burned tyres on roads and blocked traffic on various inter-city roads for an hour. Additionally, they threatened to surround all Gepco offices on Sunday and Monday, and to stage agitational sit-ins there. President Markazi Anjuman Tajran Sialkot Mehar Ghulam Mujtaba, speaking to the news reporters, stated that the distressed Sialkot traders would withhold payment of their electricity bills in protest of the ongoing and unscheduled electricity load shedding.

The heart of Pakistan's business, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Mian Abrar Ahmad, has strongly condemned the KESC for implementing industrial loadshedding. Ahmad believes that KESC is behaving as though it has assumed the role of the government and is attempting to dictate to the government while also attempting to create rifts between industrial consumers and others. Additionally, Ahmad accuses KESC of trying to undermine the industry's investment in captive power plants, which amounts to billions of rupees.

Industrialists made a huge investment as KESC was unable to meet industry requirements. This investment was a last resort

to keep the wheels of industry running. President KCCI appealed to the President, Prime Minister, Governor Sindh, and Chief Minister to take notice of steps initiated by KESC, stating that they are trying to create a law and order situation. According to Express 24/7, in Lahore several cases were registered against over 1,000 protestors and dozens were arrested due to massive protests against power outages in the city.

Four hundred and fifty protestors were charged and 53 were arrested by Baghbanpura police, while 25 people were arrested and cases registered against 1,000 protestors by Chuhng police station. The charges also include those under the anti-terrorism act. The protests took place at Mahmood Booti area on Ring Road, Chuhng, and near Data Darbar. Protests also occurred in other cities. As a part of the protest, the business and trade association of Faisalabad is currently observing a shutterdown strike, while students in Gujrat staged a three-hour sit-in protest.

The increase in extended load shedding has caused major disruptions in various cities, with Southern Punjab experiencing load shedding for more than 12 hours. The situation in rural areas is even more dire. Unplanned load shedding has also affected districts such as Sukkur, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Nowshera Feroz, and others in interior Sindh. Additionally, the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) faced a shortage of 700 megawatts, resulting in nine hours of load shedding in Balochistan lasting for 16 hours. Contrary to the promised four-hour load shedding schedule, Peshawar endured power outages for 18 hours.

The country's unannounced loadshedding has increased to 15 hours due to low power generation. According to a spokesman from Pepco,

the power generation in the country is currently at 12,768MW with a demand of 14,479MW, resulting in a gap of 1,711MW. The spokesman expressed optimism that the situation would improve once the shut plants are restarted. Hydel power generation is currently at 5,976MW, followed by thermal power at 1,932MW and IPPs at 4,798MW. Additionally, electricity supply to KESC is currently at 700MW.

The government is constantly creating crises to divert attention from American interference in Pakistan. Pakistan has become a target for Blackwater mercenaries and is conducting ongoing military operations in various regions under American dictate. Northern Waziristan has been handed over to America, where drone attacks are being conducted with impunity. As a result, thousands of Muslim families are stranded and forced to endure the extreme cold weather while living in the open.

The government often creates a "danger to democracy" narrative, using rhetorical drama. However, it also negatively affects people's lives by implementing load-shedding of gas and electricity to distract them from their problems. This electricity shortage threatens Pakistan's shutdown and leaves it vulnerable to potential attacks. Consequently, we are living in a primitive state, reminiscent of the Stone Ages, relying on candles for light.