Power, gas loadshedding Traders threaten protest

TAKHTBHAI: The local business community on Tuesday protested against the ongoing electricity and gas loadshedding and the poor law and order situation in the area.

Speaking at a press conference at the Takhtbhai Press Club, local trade leaders, including Mazullah Khan, Sher Qayyum Mastkhel, Muhammad Yousaf, Dost Muhammad and others warned that if their demands were not met by September 5, they would stage a protest and block the Malakand Road for vehicular traffic.

They said that unannounced and excessive power and gas outages had made life difficult for residents and badly affected businesses, education, and healthcare.They said people pay their bills regularly but still suffer from long outages. They also raised concerns about high utility bills, unjust taxes, and the rising cost of living.

The traders demanded that unnecessary taxes be removed and relief be provided to the public.The speakers also criticized the local administration and police, saying their poor performance had created insecurity in the area.

They accused officials of harassing the poor instead of addressing real issues. Concerns were also raised about tobacco companies exploiting farmers by not paying fair prices.The traders announced that a consultative meeting will be held on September 5 at the house of Dost Muhammad to finalize plans for a sit-in protest and road blockade if the situation did not improve.