Unfair electricity diversion

March 11, 2013 .

As the energy shortfall of 6,000MW, the worst point it has fallen for a long while, resulted in dreadful blackouts, reports are that Punjab is once again being denied its share of electricity. This time around, its share is being diverted to Sindh, which is as much as 450MW. The reason for this discrimination is obvious. Punjab is the largest province in terms of population and is having a large portion of the country’s industry. But while the electricity load management is not easy given the extraordinary shortfall, there have been instances where the province has been treated unfairly by the centre. Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been crying out against this practice, what he calls as electricity theft. There is substance in his argument that this was being done deliberately in order to tarnish the image of PML-N in the eyes of the public. Well talk about political point scoring and there are plenty of examples.

Definitely, the province has been a victim of such games as now the loadshedding spells have extended to 20 hours. But things could even get worse, like a week ago when a technical failure in a major power plant had a domino effect on other plants. The entire country was hurled into a blackout. Punjab’s industry is at stake. If it could not be given due electricity, at least it should receive what is its rightful share. The provincial government is also expected to pursue the matter firmly.

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-ne...city-diversion