Power outages cripple life in parts of Punjab

Patient dies in Mayo Hospital during loadshedding

LAHORE: Sixteen to 22 hours of power outages paralysed life in parts of Punjab on Sunday, which forced the people to protest against the government.

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) observed a seven-hour long electricity shutdown in Mayo Hospital and adjoining areas reportedly due to under-construction Orange Line project in the vicinity.

Loadshedding was observed from 6am to 1pm on Sunday, which badly affected the treatment services to the patients, while a female patient, Kauser Bibi, 35, from Narang Mandi, lost her life due to non-availability of a ventilator in the North Medical Ward during loadshedding.

Power loadshedding is especially affecting those earning their livelihood through daily wage and students.Unannounced outages in Sahiwal disturbed both citizens and traders and it also affected water supply to houses and mosques. Same was the situation is Pakpattan, with hours-long loadshedding amid sizzling heat made people censure the government.

The unannounced loadshedding is increasing in rural and urban areas of Mandi Bahauddin, which is crippling not only the daily life but also business activities. Furthermore, people are unable to sleep at night because of mosquitoes and unbearable heat.

There is at least 16-hour loadshedding in Sirai Alamgir, which is making it difficult for students to prepare for examinations besides creating a severe water shortage.

The situation is the same in Lalamusa, while there is 18 to 22 hours of power outages in various areas of Okara district. The Kamoke city is experiencing eight hours of loadshedding with up to 10 hours in surrounding rural areas.

In Daska town, there is 16 hours of loadshedding, with up to 18 hours in rural areas.People also protested in Chishtian where power supply was suspended for several hours both during day and night. Similar reports were received from Noorkot and Baddomalhi.