Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur has issued a stern ultimatum to the federal government and the Energy Minister, threatening to seize control of the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) if load shedding is not alleviated by tonight.
In a forceful statement, CM Gandapur expressed frustration over repeated requests for intervention that have gone unaddressed, emphasizing the urgency of immediately modifying the power supply schedule.
He insisted that the federal authorities must reduce the load-shedding duration from 22 hours to 18 hours to alleviate the hardships faced by the residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Gandapur clarified that failure to adjust the schedule would compel him to implement extreme measures, including the takeover of grid stations and the PESCO office. He asserted that his statement should be seen not merely as a warning but as a definitive deadline for action.
Earlier, Gandapur criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration for exorbitant electricity rates and severe power outages, accusing the central government of neglecting its financial obligations to the province. He highlighted that the federal government owes KP Rs1.51 trillion under the Net Hydel Profit arrangement.
The CM contrasted current electricity costs with those during the previous PTI government, noting a significant increase from Rs15 per unit to Rs65 per unit, alongside worsening availability. He firmly told the federal government, “I am not seeking charity for our people,” underscoring his demand for fairness and justice in energy pricing and supply.
