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Power minister vows no loadshedding during Sehri, Iftar nationwide, barring major technical faults
Preliminary findings suggest that gas had leaked and accumulated inside a closed room, creating a combustible environment. PHOTO: PIXABAY
KARACHI:
The federal government will ensure uninterrupted gas and electricity supply during Sehri and Iftar hours in Ramadan, announcing special measures to facilitate consumers across the country.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the decision was taken on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “On the instructions of the prime minister, gas supply will be facilitated for the public during Ramadan,” Malik said, adding that supply would be ensured from 3am to 10:30pm, with maximum pressure during Sehri and Iftar.
Also speaking at the press conference, Power Minister Awais Leghari stated that there would be “absolutely no loadshedding” during Sehri and Iftar timings unless a major technical fault occurred.
“We will ensure there is no suspension of electricity during these hours anywhere in Pakistan,” Leghari said, adding that even economic loadshedding in high-loss areas would be restricted during the two peak meal times.
Read: PA for no gas supply cuts during Ramazan
Leghari said a special control room had been set up at the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation to monitor feeders nationwide and ensure uninterrupted power supply. Consumers facing electricity issues were advised to contact the 118 helpline.
Malik said the decision to avoid gas loadshedding during key hours was taken after consultations with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC). He said additional gas volumes had been arranged to improve supply.
For gas-related complaints, consumers can call the 119 helpline. Situation rooms have also been established at the head offices of SNGPL and SSGC, while regional offices have been directed to closely monitor supply, particularly in tail-end areas.
Malik said gas supply this winter had been comparatively better than in previous years, adding that both the petroleum and power divisions were working to ease public hardship during the holy month.
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Earlier, SSGC had issued a schedule for Karachi and surrounding areas, stating that gas would be available from 3am to 9am for Sehri and from 3:30pm to 10pm for Iftar, with supply suspended outside these hours to manage demand. SNGPL had proposed providing gas from 3am to 10:30pm daily during Ramadan in Punjab.
Separately, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution calling for no gas loadshedding during Sehri and Iftar. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the provincial government had written to federal authorities in this regard.
