Despite tall claims of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), an acute shortage of gas for domestic users has paralysed routine life in various areas of the city. The unavailability of gas, on Thursday, forced people to take it to streets. They registered anger, disrupted the traffic and chanted slogans against the government and SNGPL.
According to the survey conducted by Business Recorder, residents Sabzar, Multan Road, Township, Thokker Niaz Baig, Icchra, Canal View, Johar Town, Township, Green Town, Faisal Town, Wapda Town, Garden Town and Gulshane Ravi complained about the problem, saying they cannot even cook food due to the low pressure of gas.
Imran a resident of Icchra said that despite recent claims of Petroleum Minister, Syed Naveed Qamar that gas supply to domestic user would be the priority of the government, they are being ignored and nobody listens to their complaints. People express anguish that if they are getting low pressure of gas on the eve of winter, what will happen at the peak of it.
Hundreds of people staged protest demonstration against gas load shedding in Green Town and Chungi Amrsiddhu areas and demanded of the government to ensure uninterrupted gas supply. The protesters, mostly housewives and children, complained that the load-shedding has multiplied their miseries. They complained they have to wait for hours to cook food because of the problem. One of the protestor said that from 6 am to 11 am daily, there has been no gas at his house. The angry protesters blocked roads by setting tyres on fire. On early Thursday, a good number of people gathered outside at Ferozepur Road and staged protest demonstration against SNGPL authorities. A great number of shopkeepers and workers of roadside restaurants also joined the protest.