Peshawar – Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has come under sharp criticism for disconnecting the electricity supply to the FATA Secretariat despite the payment of over Rs. 10.2 million in dues. The power outage, which began on Wednesday evening, has entered its second day, severely disrupting operations across multiple essential government departments and causing significant inconvenience to both the public and government staff.
Sources confirm that on June 17, the Secretary of Information and Public Relations—who also serves as the Secretary Administration of the FATA Secretariat—deposited Rs. 10.2 million towards the outstanding electricity bills. However, PESCO still proceeded to cut off electricity to the entire Secretariat complex located on Warsak Road.
The blackout has paralyzed critical departments including the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, the Department of Minerals and Mineral Development, and the Directorate General of Health Services. Routine operations have come to a standstill, with officials and the general public facing considerable hardship due to the suspension of government services.
When contacted, PESCO officers claimed that the disconnection was due to outstanding dues attributed to the office of the Director General Health. However, officials from the Secretariat argue that the DG Health office was previously located at the Khyber Road Health Secretariat and that the dues do not pertain to the current facility within the FATA Secretariat.
Senior officials within the affected departments have condemned PESCO’s move, labeling it as unlawful and irresponsible. They have called for immediate restoration of electricity and strict action against those responsible for the disruption.
This incident has raised serious concerns about coordination between utility providers and government institutions, especially when public services and sensitive operations are involved. As of now, electricity remains disconnected, and the standoff continues with no resolution in sight.
