ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari confirmed on Thursday that many parts of the country are facing six to seven hours of load-shedding, a figure significantly higher than previous government promises.
Addressing a press conference, the Minister explained that a “sudden surge” in electricity demand, coupled with a lack of imported gas, has forced the government’s hand. He specifically pointed to the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has disrupted LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) imports, as a primary reason for the shortfall.
Leghari also noted that lower water discharges for irrigation have reduced the output from hydroelectric plants. He maintained that these factors remain “beyond the government’s control.” Despite the challenges, the Minister assured the public that the government is working to prevent further tariff hikes that usually occur when expensive alternative fuels are used to generate power.
