Protests against gas loadshedding

Rawalpindi: The residents of different localities of the city on Saturday staged protest demonstrations against Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) for not providing them natural gas even for domestic use this winter.

The angry protesters from Gulistan Colony, Adiala Road, Munawar Colony, Ali Town, Al-Mumtaz Colony, Saleha Street, Defence Road, Usama Street, Naik Alam, Dhoke Juma, Sher Zaman, Range Road blocked Adiala Road, Range Road and Jhanda Chichi Road and demanded smooth supply of natural gas at least for domestic use.

On the other hand, the motorists faced worst traffic jam in these areas due to blockage of roads during the protests. The angry protesters announced to stage ‘sit-in’ at Benazir Bhutto Road if SNGPL does not provide them natural gas for domestic use in few days.

Meanwhile, Muttahidda Naanbais Welfare Association (MNWA) also threatened to lock down Rawalpindi if government does not provide them gas. In 2015, SNGPL had assured to provide full pressure gas in winter but consumers have been facing worst kind of gas loadshedding since then.

The protesters complained about discriminatory treatment in terms of gas supply by SNGPL. More than 50 per cent ‘tandoors’ have already been shut down in affected localities because of zero gas supply and residents have to buy ‘roti’ on higher prices.

Reportedly, the residents of Muslim Town, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Paracha, New Shakriyal and Dhoke Kala Khan, Chaklala Scheme-III, Asghar Mall and its surrounding localities, Morgah, Shamsabad Model Colony, Azizabad, Tench Batta, Mughalabad, Dhoke Chaudhrian, Gulshan Shafi Colony, Ghausia Chowk, Kamalabad, Tahli Mori, Ghaziabad Colony, Harley Street, Dheri Hassanabad, are also facing zero gas pressure.

Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited Senior General Manager (Rawalpindi Circle) Muhammad Zahoor said that due to cold weather some areas are facing gas crisis. While, consumes talking to ‘The News’ said that how could they suck natural gas in absence of gas. The SNGPL is observing over 20 hours gas loadshedding so how could we get gas when most of the day there is no gas, they denounced.

Muttahidda Naanbhais Welfare Association (MNWA) President Shafiq Qureshi said that SNGPL is not providing them natural gas. More than 50 per cent ‘tandoors’ have already been shut down due to absence of natural gas. “It is a matter of great concern that SNGPL has totally failed to provide natural gas. If the situation persists we will lock down the city,” he denounced.