Protests in Balochistan over persistent and unannounced power outages have continued for a seventh consecutive day.
The Landowner Action Committee organized the demonstrations in front of the provincial assembly. Protesters are demanding the conversion of all tube wells to solar systems and subsidies for farmers on fertilizer and electricity.
The committee has criticized the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) for providing only three hours of electricity daily instead of the promised six hours. This has prompted widespread frustration among the agricultural community, still reeling from recent flood damages.
A spokesperson from the committee stated that although the government has signalled through the media that their demands will be met, the protesters seek direct confirmation. They have vowed to continue their sit-in until they receive a written agreement from the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti.
The protest camp on Zarghoon Road outside the provincial assembly’s main gate features banners highlighting its demands. Protesters have also threatened to block all national highways in Balochistan if their demands remain unaddressed.
A Balochistan affairs meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, focused on regional issues, including converting agricultural tube wells to solar energy. The Prime Minister assured federal support for this initiative, aiming to alleviate some of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector due to insufficient power supply.
