Ongoing Power Crisis Cripples PoJK: Residents Demand Urgent Action

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) are enduring severe power cuts despite reduced electricity prices. Local businessman Khuwaja Abdul Samad criticizes the outdated power infrastructure and the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project. He calls for mini hydropower projects to ensure stable electricity for local businesses.

Muzaffarabad [PoJK], September 11 (ANI) — The ongoing power crisis in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) continues to wreak havoc on residents' daily lives, severely disrupting economic activities. Frustration is mounting among the general public due to persistent power cuts.

Despite a reduction in electricity prices following deadly protests in May, load-shedding has become increasingly frequent. Local businessman Khuwaja Abdul Samad expressed his frustration, saying, 'Even when there's electricity, it's difficult to run a fan due to extremely low voltage. This is severely impacting our businesses.'

Samad emphasized the urgent need for the administration to upgrade the region's outdated power infrastructure. Despite hosting the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, PoJK remains plagued by energy shortages. He criticized the government, alleging that electricity is deliberately withheld and that the existing power infrastructure is archaic and faulty.

Samad suggested that instead of relying on large-scale projects, the administration should focus on creating mini hydropower projects, which would be less costly and more effective. He also condemned the practice of sending electricity to Pakistan’s grid system, which deprives local residents of much-needed power. The residents of PoJK have long accused their local authorities of prioritizing Islamabad's interests over solving their issues.