ANP slams prolonged load-shedding, gas outages in KP
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain has expressed serious concern over prolonged and unannounced electricity load-shedding, gas shortages and rising inflation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, terming the situation a form of “systematic injustice” against the people of the province.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mr Hussain said it was a bitter reality that despite producing surplus and relatively cheaper electricity, KP was subjected to power outages lasting up to 18 to 20 hours a day. He described the situation as a violation of constitutional and moral principles and warned that it was widening disparities among federating units.
He said that continuous gas shutdowns had paralysed domestic life, with households struggling to meet basic needs, while industrial and commercial activities were also being adversely affected.
The ANP leader added that the persistent increase in petroleum prices had made transport, essential commodities and daily living expenses unaffordable for the common man. He said the situation had been further aggravated by rising inflation and unemployment, leaving many people struggling to make ends meet.
Mr Hussain said that despite facing decades of terrorism and unrest, KP continued to be neglected in state policies. He criticised what he termed poor governance over the past 14 years, saying the province had been pushed into worsening economic and social conditions.
He alleged that both the federal and provincial governments had failed to address the basic issues faced by the people and lacked a coherent strategy to provide relief.
Calling for corrective measures, Mr Hussain stressed the need for implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment in its true spirit, ensuring provincial control over resources. He also demanded that the federal government immediately release outstanding dues to KP in the form of net hydropower profits and gas revenues.
He urged the provincial government to take up the issues of electricity and gas shortages with the centre on an urgent basis.
Mr Hussain reiterated that the ANP would continue to raise its voice for the rights of the people of KP and pursue a democratic struggle against what he termed injustice, exploitation and constitutional violations.
