Rawalpindi is currently grappling with a significant gas crisis. According to reports, 70% of the city is facing gas supply disruptions as temperatures drop.
Impact on Rawalpindi Residents
In areas such as Chaklala Scheme III, Gulistan Colony, and Dhoke Hassu, residents are struggling due to the lack of gas for cooking and daily tasks. Consequently, many parents are being forced to send their children to school without breakfast. Moreover, local tandoors have been compelled to shut down because of the gas shortage.
Protests Erupt in Quetta and Mastung
Meanwhile, protests have erupted in Quetta. Residents have taken to the streets, blocking roads such as Spinny Road to express their frustration with the ongoing gas shortages. This has disrupted essential activities like cooking and heating during the harsh winter. In addition, protests in Mastung led to a blockade on the Quetta-Karachi National Highway as locals demanded access to basic utilities like gas and electricity.
Widespread Discontent in Balochistan
Across Balochistan, frequent protests have highlighted the residents’ dissatisfaction. Locals accuse the government of neglecting their needs, arguing that they are being forced to live in “stone-age conditions.” This has sparked widespread unrest in the region.
SNGPL’s Plan for Winter Gas Supply
In response to the crisis, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) introduced a new gas supply plan on November 12. The plan is designed to allow consumers to schedule their cooking and daily activities more efficiently. However, it remains uncertain whether this plan will be enough to resolve the ongoing gas shortages.