Outages worsen: no gas and electricity for Rawalpindi citizens

RAWALPINDI: In a distressing turn of events, Rawalpindi residents are grappling with an enduring gas pressure issue, further exacerbated by frequent electricity outages.

The prolonged inconvenience has left citizens in various residential areas, from high-profile locales to more humble settings, facing the brunt of the electricity and gas authority’s apparent negligence.

Among the severely affected areas facing repeated electricity outages and gas load shedding are Gulistan Colony, Shah Residency, Ayub National Park area, Chaklala Scheme 3, Gulraiz, Tops Factory area, Attock Refinery area, Chungi, Askari 1, Askari 2, and DHA Islamabad Phase 1, DHA Islamabad Phase 2, Defence Residencia, Cantt, Bahria Town Phase 7, Bahria Town Phase 6, Saddar, Zaraj Housing Scheme, The Springs Apartment Homes, Fazaia, Khokhar Road, Gangal West area, Ghauri Town, and Soan Garden area.

The pervasive outages have forced a majority of families to resort to purchasing meals from local hotels at inflated prices due to the absence of gas.

Hostel residents and families are grappling with the worst aspect of this crisis, finding themselves in a dire situation due to the acute shortage of gas and electricity.

The predicament is particularly disconcerting as the government appears to be turning a blind eye to the issue, failing to provide adequate domestic gas and electricity supply during the peak winter season, leaving citizens shivering in the cold.

On Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 3:00 AM, the temperature in Rawalpindi plummeted to as low as 5 degrees Celsius, intensifying the challenges faced by the beleaguered residents.

Desperate for warmth, many are now seeking alternative heat sources, resorting to purchasing costly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), coal, dry wood, kerosene oil, and the recently popularised ‘Mobil Oil Stoves’ available in local markets.

In a city where electric heaters could provide some solace in the bitter cold, even this option remains elusive due to the erratic electricity supply.

Despite repeated warnings from the federal government to Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) to adhere strictly to the gas supply schedule for domestic users, the system remains compromised.

Allegations of corruption within the gas sector, with claims of gas being selectively provided to those who offer bribes, add another layer of concern to the ongoing crisis.

As Rawalpindi residents navigate through these challenging times, the urgency for swift and effective action from relevant authorities is paramount.

The struggle for basic utilities in the midst of winter underscores the pressing need for a comprehensive and immediate resolution to alleviate the hardships faced by the citizens of Rawalpindi.

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