ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy (Power Division), on the instructions of Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, has issued comprehensive operational directives to all power Distribution Companies (DISCOs), the National Power Control Centre (NPCC), and the National Grid Company (NGC) to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply throughout Muharram, particularly on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Ashura).
According to an official statement, all DISCOs have been directed to immediately coordinate with district administrations, law enforcement agencies, and management committees to obtain detailed lists of Majalis venues, Imam Bargahs, and procession routes within their respective jurisdictions.
To ensure effective oversight, the Chief Engineer (Operation) of each DISCO has been designated as the focal authority responsible for monitoring uninterrupted power supply. In addition, dedicated focal persons will be appointed at the circle level to maintain continuous coordination with civil administration, security agencies, and community representatives.
The ministry has instructed DISCOs to complete maintenance and inspection of distribution networks and transformers serving Majalis venues and Imam Bargahs by the 7th of Muharram. Special emphasis has been placed on eliminating safety hazards, including the removal or rectification of hanging and exposed wires along procession routes before the commencement of religious gatherings.
Emergency response teams equipped with tools, spare materials, transformers—including trolley-mounted units—and dedicated vehicles will remain on standby in every subdivision throughout the holy month. Regional and field stores will also operate on an emergency basis to ensure the uninterrupted availability of required equipment and materials.
To strengthen operational preparedness, round-the-clock control rooms will be established at various administrative levels. Managers, Deputy Managers, Assistant Managers (Operations), and supporting staff have been directed to remain present at their respective offices, especially on the days of Ashura, to respond swiftly to any electricity-related issues.
At the transmission level, the National Grid Company (NGC) has been directed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted power delivery to all DISCOs in accordance with allocations made by the National Power Control Centre (NPCC).
Furthermore, DISCOs have been instructed to formulate detailed contingency plans to manage feeder loads and prevent forced load shedding, particularly in areas that have historically experienced supply interruptions during peak demand periods.
The Power Division has also ordered strict vigilance against unauthorized individuals carrying out work on the electricity distribution network, directing immediate action against any such activities to ensure public safety and system reliability.
The Ministry of Energy urged all stakeholders, including DISCOs, transmission entities, district administrations, and law enforcement agencies, to work in close coordination to facilitate the safe, dignified, and uninterrupted observance of Muharram and Ashura across the country.
