SWAT: The residents of Matta have expressed frustration over prolonged and unscheduled power outages and threatened to launch a protest movement if the issue is not resolved.

They claim that the issue compelled local political leaders and traders to issue a 24-hour ultimatum to government for immediate action. Led by Mohammad Zubair Khan, president of Matta Bazaar Traders Association, locals announced plan for a massive protest if authorities failed to address their grievances within the given time frame.

“If the government does not resolve these issues, all shops and roads in the area will be completely shut down as part of protest,” said Zubair Khan.

He said that unscheduled power outage and frequent voltage irregularities inflicted losses of millions of rupees on them with several incidents of fire caused by short circuits that destroyed homes and belongings.

He added that the sudden power cuts and voltage fluctuations were not just causing material losses but also posed serious risks to human lives.

Locals also criticised the sharp increase in duration of power outages over the past few months. “We don’t have electricity for more than half the day, which has severely disrupted our social and financial lives. We are questioning why Swat is subjected to such prolonged and unscheduled outages,” said one the frustrated residents of the area.

Khista Bacha, spokesperson for Upper Swat Traders Federation, showed solidarity with the affected residents and traders. He urged government to take corrective measures to resolve the issues.

The residents of the area and traders said that continued inaction could lead to widespread unrest in the region. They stressed the need for resolution of the issue.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2025