Members of the Balochistan Assembly called out the Quetta Electric Supply Company (Qesco) over its inability to provide reliable electricity amidst the extreme heat affecting the province.
During a session led by Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola, lawmakers raised concerns about unannounced load shedding, faulty transformers, insufficient staff, and the company’s failure to address public complaints.
Provincial Minister Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran and others expressed frustration that entire communities are being penalized for electricity theft committed by a few individuals. Ali Madad Jatak claimed that Qesco engineers often ignore citizens’ phone calls. Liaquat Ali Lehri, an MPA from Quetta, highlighted that his constituency only receives a few hours of power daily, a sentiment echoed by Muhammad Khan Lehri from Nasirabad.
Lawmakers Fazal Qadir Mandokhail and Hadiya Nawaz demanded Qesco ensure at least 16 hours of electricity for areas like Zhob and Jaffarabad. Mr. Khetran proposed incorporating water dues from the Water and Sanitation Agency into electricity bills to guarantee water access, emphasizing that purchasing water is unaffordable for many.
Similarly, Asghar Ali Tareen pointed out power shortages in Pishin despite many farmers switching to solar energy, while Barkat Rind noted that Turbat residents, despite paying bills, face issues due to staff shortages. Rehmat Saleh Baloch from Panjgur held a silent protest over the lawmakers’ inability to justify this ongoing crisis to their constituents.
Deputy Speaker Gola highlighted that Sohbatpur has been without electricity for three days despite temperatures reaching 52°C. She emphasized that the provincial government had allocated PSDP funds for improving power infrastructure, but Qesco’s performance remains inadequate.
Responding to the criticism, the Qesco chief explained that Balochistan receives 600MW from the national grid and attributed the power crisis to low bill recovery rates. He cited Shahbaz Town as an example where full recovery enables 24/7 power supply and urged the public to cooperate. He also assured that they are taking steps to improve the situation. Lawmakers pledged to keep pressuring Qesco until they fully address the public’s grievances.