Makran Division holds a significant position in Balochistan Province, yet the fundamental necessities of its residents consistently receive inadequate attention from both the provincial and national governing bodies. This disparity is particularly evident when addressing the matter of electricity supply in the region.
Recently, a rally opposing WAPDA took place in the Kech district on August 13, along with a concurrent press conference. Regrettably, the QESCO authorities failed to meet the expectations of the protestors. Regrettably, reports suggest a reduction in electricity supply from Iran. This gives rise to various questions. Is there an arrangement between the two countries where Iran scales back electricity provision if it chooses to, rather than providing the full amount? Is the electricity from Iran a form of aid, or does Pakistan purchase it? If Iran is experiencing an electricity shortage, what prompted the recent allocation of an additional 100 MW of electricity to Pakistan? The assertion that Iran is furnishing 100 megawatts of electricity appears to be ironic.
Furthermore, the discontinuation of the power supply from Iran to Makran has plunged millions of residents into extreme hardship. The absence of electricity during scorching days and nights has severely disrupted both business activities and essential sleep for the local population. The Makran Division administration, including District Commissioners and the Commissioner, should not confine themselves to their offices; rather, they ought to convey the people’s grievances to Quetta. There, they can directly engage with the Chief Secretary, QESCO Chief, and Iranian authorities in Quetta and Islamabad to ensure the prompt restoration of electricity and the return to normalcy in Makran. It is imperative to ensure an uninterrupted power supply in Makran. Achieving this goal requires a concerted effort from our elected representatives and political parties. They should treat this matter with the gravity it deserves and express their grievances concurrently in Quetta and Islamabad. Failing to raise objections to Iran, Pakistan could solidify the apprehensions of the people in Makran, confirming the perception that since being connected to the national grid, 200 MW of electricity is supplied from Iran. Such actions only deepen the sense of deprivation among the local populace and underscore the perceived exploitation by the federal government.
The residents of Balochistan have been consistently voicing their concerns, asserting that since their integration with Pakistan, the province’s indigenous resources have been controlled by the central government but their problems have never been owned or mitigated by the central government.
The writer is a teacher at Capital Academy, Dannuk, and a regular contributor to Balochistan Affairs. He can be reached at attaullahnd@gmail.com.
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