Peshawar – The persistent issue of unannounced and excessive electricity load shedding in Tehsil Pabbi has triggered widespread public anger, prompting the convening of an All Parties Conference (APC) at the Pabbi Press Club. During the conference, it was decided that a large-scale protest movement will be launched against the ongoing power outages, including plans to block the GT Road and railway line if the issue is not resolved by Eid-ul-Adha.
The conference witnessed broad participation from representatives of all major political parties, market associations, social activists, and civil society members. The session was presided over by Abbas Khan, General Secretary of Pabbi Press Club, while Muhammad Ilyas, President of the Press Club, served as stage secretary.
Representatives from Pakistan People’s Party, Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PTI Parliamentarians, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Anjuman Tajiran Pabbi Bazaar, and Anjuman Dukandaran Shaikh Shehbaz Baba Road were present.
Keynote speakers included Tehsil Chairman Pabbi Ghayoour Khattak, Press Club President Muhammad Ilyas, PTI’s Dastar Pakhtoon Yar, Pir Saifullah Shah from the Pervez Khattak group, Jamaat-e-Islami Nowshera Vice Ameer Maulana Gohar Rehman Gohar, JUI-F’s Tehsil Ameer Abdul Basir Haqqani, Mufti Muhammad Naeem, Haji Aurangzeb, Munawar Khan, Taimoor Kamal, Ilyas Ahmed, senior journalist Muhammad Ilyas of Wazir Garhi, Haji Anar Gul, Malik Qasim Khan, Haji Fazal Nabi, and Jan Alam Khan of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, among others.
The speakers strongly criticized WAPDA and PESCO for the relentless and unfair power outages affecting Pabbi city, Khansher Garhi, Wazir Garhi Khattak Nama, Akbar Pura, and surrounding villages. They warned that if the issue is not resolved by Eid-ul-Adha, mass protests would erupt. Demonstrators would take to the streets in the form of rallies, and a complete blockade of GT Road and the railway line would be carried out. All responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation would lie with WAPDA and PESCO.
A 10-member “Action Committee Pabbi” was formed, comprising representatives of various political, social, and trade organizations. The committee will announce the future course of action from the office of the Tehsil Chairman.
Former MPA of PTI Parliamentarians, Soomi Falak Niaz, and Falak Niaz Khan, also attended and expressed full support for the protest campaign.
In addition, a four-member legal team was formed under the leadership of President of Tehsil Bar Association, Advocate Tariq Mehmood Khattak. The team includes noted legal experts Advocate Ashrafuddin, Advocate Najam uz Zaman, and Advocate Shazia Mir Aftab, who will provide free legal services to the movement.
Speakers urged DPO Nowshera Abdul Rasheed Khan, DSP Pabbi Circle Adnan Azam Khan, and SHO Pabbi Police Station Tahir Khan to take immediate notice of the seriousness of the situation and coordinate with higher WAPDA authorities to resolve the power crisis and prevent any potential law and order situation.
In conclusion, the speakers made it clear that if the legitimate grievances of the people are not addressed promptly, the scope of the protest will be expanded significantly.
