Bahria Town, Rawalpindi: Residents of Bahria Town Rawalpindi are experiencing severe difficulties due to prolonged and unannounced power outages during an intense heatwave. With temperatures crossing 40°C and high humidity levels making conditions even more unbearable, the continuous electricity disruptions have significantly affected daily life across multiple phases of the community.

The unannounced load shedding has disrupted household routines, commercial activities, and essential services. Residents report that the outages have made it extremely difficult to cope with the scorching weather, while businesses, educational activities, and domestic responsibilities have all been adversely affected.

Water Supply Also Affected

One of the most serious consequences of the power outages has been the disruption of water supply. As electricity remains unavailable for extended periods, tube wells have stopped functioning, resulting in water shortages in several areas of Bahria Town. Many residents have expressed concern that the dual challenge of electricity and water shortages has made the situation increasingly difficult, particularly for families with children, senior citizens, and patients.

Public Frustration Grows

Residents have voiced strong concerns over the lack of communication and response from the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).

Mrs. Farah, a resident of Bahria Town Phase 4, expressed her frustration, saying:

"People are worried because of IESCO's unannounced load shedding. I called the 118 helpline several times, but no one answered. I also contacted the SDO number printed on my electricity bill, but unfortunately, there was no response."

Similar complaints have been shared by residents across different phases, who say they have been unable to receive timely information regarding restoration schedules or the reasons behind the prolonged outages.

Businesses and Daily Life Disrupted

The ongoing electricity crisis has affected every segment of society. Industrial units, traders, shopkeepers, students, homemakers, and working professionals have all reported significant disruptions.

Business owners say the repeated outages are causing financial losses, while students preparing for examinations are struggling to study without electricity. Housewives are finding it difficult to manage routine household work, and families are facing sleepless nights due to the extreme heat.

Heatwave Intensifies the Situation

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the temperature in Bahria Town Rawalpindi exceeded 40°C, while humidity levels reached approximately 43 percent. The combination of heat and humidity increased the "feels-like" temperature to around 50.1°C, making the prolonged electricity outages particularly challenging for residents.

Calls for Better Energy Planning

Residents have also questioned why the increasing installation of rooftop solar systems has not translated into greater relief during periods of electricity shortages. Many believe that despite significant investment in renewable energy by consumers, effective policies are still lacking to maximize the benefits of distributed solar generation during peak summer demand.

Citizens have urged the relevant authorities to introduce practical energy management measures, improve electricity infrastructure, and ensure transparent communication regarding load management schedules.

IESCO Explains Temporary Load Management

According to official sources, temporary load management is currently being implemented across the IESCO region due to a shortfall in electricity availability from the National Grid.

Officials stated that power supply is being managed according to the electricity quota allocated to the region and assured consumers that normal electricity supply would be restored as soon as the required allocation is received.

The utility also apologized for the temporary inconvenience caused to consumers and requested public cooperation until the electricity situation improves.

Residents Seek Immediate Relief

As the heatwave continues, residents are appealing to the concerned authorities for immediate restoration of uninterrupted electricity, improved complaint response mechanisms, and advance public notification regarding any necessary load management.

Citizens believe that timely communication, efficient customer support, and better coordination between electricity authorities and consumers are essential to reducing the hardships faced during the ongoing summer season.