ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday assured citizens that there will be no electricity or gas loadshedding during Sehr and Iftar throughout the holy month of Ramazan, except in case of any major technical fault.
Addressing a joint press conference, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari said the government had decided to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at critical hours of fasting.
“We have decided that there will be absolutely no loadshedding in any area — unless there is a major fault, God forbid — during Sehr and Iftar timings,” he stated, adding that even economic loadshedding in high-loss feeder areas would be restricted during these hours.
The minister said the move reflects Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to facilitate citizens during Ramazan so they do not face inconvenience while fasting.
Leghari further informed that a special control room has been established at the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) to monitor feeders nationwide and ensure uninterrupted supply. Consumers can lodge electricity-related complaints via the 118 helpline for immediate redressal.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that “complete arrangements” have been made to ensure gas supply at maximum pressure from 3am to 10:30pm, particularly during Sehr and Iftar.
The decision was taken after consultations with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), with additional gas volumes arranged to meet increased demand.
Malik said consumers can register gas-related complaints on the 119 helpline. Situation rooms have been set up at SNGPL and SSGC headquarters, while regional offices have been directed to closely monitor supply, especially in tail-end areas.
He added that gas supply during the current winter season remained comparatively better than previous years.
Earlier, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution calling for zero gas loadshedding during Sehr and Iftar, with Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stating that the provincial government had formally written to the federal authorities on the matter.
According to schedules issued earlier, SSGC will provide gas in Karachi and surrounding areas from 3am to 9am for Sehr and 3:30pm to 10pm for Iftar, while SNGPL plans supply from 3am to 10:30pm across Punjab during Ramazan.
The government expressed hope that coordinated efforts by the Power and Petroleum Divisions would ensure a smooth and facilitative environment for citizens during the holy month.
