Disruptions across Faisalabad, adjacent areas after rain showers

FAISALABAD: A series of rain showers that began Friday afternoon continued intermittently until evening, leading to significant disruptions across the city and surrounding areas.

Between 1:00 and 1:30 PM, a significant amount of rain was recorded in various areas: Gulam Muhammadabad reported 80mm, Madina Town 78mm, People’s Colony 76mm, Gulistan Colony 69mm, and Allama Iqbal Colony 61mm.

The heavy downpour resulted in water accumulation in many areas, with some neighbourhoods experiencing power outages due to tripping and low voltage issues. In low-lying areas, rainwater entered homes and blocked sewage lines causing multiple gutters to overflow, exacerbating the situation for residents. Meanwhile, the offices and helplines of FESCO and WASA were either inactive or busy, leaving citizens frustrated as they faced difficulties registering complaints due to staff unavailability. Residents noted that while the rain alleviated the

heat and humidity, the poor performance of WASA and FESCO severely impacted their daily lives. With forecasts predicting more heavy rain on Saturday, further issues regarding drainage and electricity supply are expected in the city.

Meanwhile, the ongoing strike by flour mills in Faisalabad has led to a rise in demand for flour, raising fears of a potential shortage.

With flour supply halted the availability of maida and choker has also ceased. Recently, a 15-kilogram bag of flour was sold for between 1,500 to 1,600 PKR, while the price of Chakki flour remained around Rs 110 to 115/kg. However, a spokesperson for the Food Department claimed that flour prices have not increased despite the strike, stating that a 10-kg bag is still available for Rs 820, with ample wheat stock priced at Rs 2,850 per mound in grain markets.

Faisalabad Division is home to nearly 100 flour mills, 54 of which are located here. Before the strike, these mills supplied approximately 200,000 bags of 20 kgs daily to markets across the division. The last supply from the mills was on July 10. Chairman of the Flour Mills Association, Shafique Anjum, accused the federal and provincial governments, along with the FBR and Fesco, of forcing mill owners to cease operations due to taxes, including withholding tax and a fixed electricity tax of Rs 2,000 per kilowatt. He said that the strike will continue until such issues are resolved.