ABBOTTABAD, Pakistan: Residents in Abbottabad staged a protest outside the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) office against the extension of gas load shedding, demanding the immediate restoration of an uninterrupted gas supply.
The demonstration was led by Hazara Action Committee Chairman Naseer Khan Jadoon, with protesters accusing the gas utility of extending outages beyond the originally announced schedule, causing hardship for domestic consumers.
Protesters Demand Immediate Gas Restoration
According to the protesters, SNGPL had initially announced a three-day gas suspension for maintenance work. However, they said the shutdown was later extended, leaving households with less than six hours of gas supply per day, including during peak cooking hours.
As part of the protest, demonstrators staged a sit-in outside the SNGPL office, locked the facility’s main gate, and chanted slogans calling for the immediate restoration of gas services.
Consumers Raise Billing Concerns
The protesters said consumers continue to receive full gas bills despite facing prolonged supply interruptions.
They argued that the extended load shedding has significantly disrupted daily household activities and called on the authorities to ensure a reliable gas supply for residents.
Administration Holds Talks With Protesters
During the protest, Assistant Commissioner Abbottabad visited the site and held negotiations with the demonstrators.
According to participants, the assistant commissioner contacted the relevant authorities and assured protesters that efforts would be made to resolve the issue at the earliest.
Following the assurance, the protesters postponed announcing their next course of action while awaiting progress on their demands.
Also Read :
Today's E-Paper