Chitral villagers restart protest over inflated power bills

Residents of Reshun, Zait, and Kuragh villages in Chitral have recommenced their protest against inflated power bills following the expiry of a 15-day deadline set by the provincial government. The communities, served by the 4.2-megawatt Reshun Hydropower Station run by the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO), demand an immediate review of their electricity tariffs.

The Reshun Power Committee (RPC), led by Chairman Syed Sardar Hussain Shah, has vowed to maintain daily token sit-ins and block the Chitral-Shandur Road for two hours each day, threatening an indefinite blockade if their demands aren't met by September 24. RPC Chairman Syed Sardar Hussain Shah rebuked the provincial government for repeatedly failing to keep its promises, criticizing authorities for neglecting the "reasonable and genuine" demands of the local population, who seek the cessation of inflated power bills.

He highlighted that PEDO began charging consumers Rs15 per unit, on par with Pesco rates, after the hydropower station was damaged by floods a few years ago. Despite the restoration of the power station, the high tariff has persisted. The RPC had ceased its protest two weeks ago following assurances from the government, but a week-long visit to the provincial capital yielded no results, leaving the residents disappointed as officials did not address their demands.

Wednesday's demonstration saw protesters completely block the main artery at Reshun, causing traffic congestion, which was later lifted after the two-hour blockade ended.