Balakot Residents Demand Free Electricity from Suki Kinari Hydropower Project
On Monday, members of a committee formed by local government representatives and residents of Balakot tehsil called for free electricity from the recently completed Suki Kinari hydropower project. The project is expected to be commissioned in the first week of October.
Community’s Demands
Fahad Yalmaz, chairman of the Garhi Habibullah village council, stated, “We have launched a movement to press the government for the provision of free electricity to the people of Balakot. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MNA Sardar Mohammad Yusuf has also discussed the matter with the Prime Minister, and we expect a positive outcome before the inauguration of the power station in the first week of October.”
Javed Iqbal, president of the Balakot Traders’ Association, mentioned that the community had sacrificed their lands for the energy project, yet the authorities had not fulfilled the promised relief package, which included the construction of schools and health facilities for those affected.
Recent Protests
Earlier on Saturday, residents of Balakot tehsil blocked the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road for more than three hours, demanding free electricity from local dams.
Electricity Costs and Shortages
Recently, in July, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) announced an increase in electricity tariffs by Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 2.56 per unit in Pakistan. This increase adds to the financial strain that consumers are already grappling with due to rising energy costs. Meanwhile, K-Electric announced that electricity consumers in Karachi are set to receive inflated electricity bills in August.
Despite having various energy resources, including hydropower, natural gas, and coal, Pakistan faces persistent power shortages. The electricity supply often falls short of demand, leading to load shedding that can last for several hours each day in many areas.
Doubts Revealed
Balakot -: Balakot is a town in Pakistan. It’s known for its beautiful scenery and is located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Suki Kinari Hydropower Project -: The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project is a big construction that uses water to make electricity. It’s built on the Kunhar River in Pakistan.
Tehsil -: A tehsil is a small administrative area in Pakistan, like a district or a block. It’s a part of the local government system.
Fahad Yalmaz -: Fahad Yalmaz is a local leader in Garhi Habibullah, a village in Balakot. He helps represent the people in his area.
Garhi Habibullah -: Garhi Habibullah is a village in the Balakot area. It’s part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.
Javed Iqbal -: Javed Iqbal is the president of the Balakot Traders’ Association. He speaks for the business people in Balakot.
Balakot Traders’ Association -: The Balakot Traders’ Association is a group of business people in Balakot. They work together to help local businesses.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif -: Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He is the head of the government and makes important decisions for the country.
Inauguration -: Inauguration is a special event to officially open something new, like a building or a project. It’s like a grand opening ceremony.
Electricity Costs -: Electricity costs are the amount of money people have to pay for using electricity. When costs go up, it means people have to pay more.
Power Shortages -: Power shortages happen when there isn’t enough electricity for everyone. This can cause blackouts or power cuts, where the lights go out.