A Pakistani surgeon has brought attention to the dire consequences of the ongoing power crisis in the country, asserting that patients in operation theatres at Services Hospital faced darkness due to a power failure. The surgeon claimed that while the VIP rooms were powered by generators, the operating theatres were left without electricity as the fuel for their generators had been depleted.

In a video message, the surgeon detailed the alarming situation, explaining that multiple surgeries were happening simultaneously, and the medical staff were unsure how to proceed given the lack of power. “For the past 30 minutes, we do not know what to do with these patients,” he stated, emphasising the stark difference in treatment between privileged individuals and those unable to afford better facilities.

This incident serves as a vivid depiction of the struggles faced by healthcare facilities in Pakistan as the nation grapples with a severe electricity shortage.

Widespread Power Outages Affect Daily Life

As the power crisis escalates, frustration among the public is increasing, with citizens from various regions reporting prolonged outages that often exceed official estimates. Although authorities maintain that load shedding is confined to approximately 2 to 2.5 hours during peak evening hours, the actual situation presents a more troubling picture.

Recent reports indicate that urban areas experienced outages lasting between three to eight hours from April 16 to 17, often without any prior notification. In contrast, rural areas faced even more severe disruptions, with outages extending from 10 to 16 hours or longer in some instances. This inconsistency raises questions about the government’s management of the electricity supply.

Major urban centres like Lahore and Karachi have been particularly hard hit, with residents reporting frequent power cuts that last several hours. For instance, Lahore, serviced by LESCO, faces outages ranging from three to eight hours, while places like Faisalabad report similar issues. In South Punjab and Multan, residents experience outages lasting between 10 to 16 hours, demonstrating widespread instability in power supply.

Government Response to Electricity Shortage

The electricity shortfall in Pakistan currently stands at approximately 3,400 MW, a situation aggravated by rising demand and supply disruptions. Electricity needs have surged from 9,000 MW in early April to nearly 20,000 MW, while the supply has decreased due to issues related to LNG availability. This gap has led the government to explore costly alternatives, such as furnace oil, but the ongoing supply constraints limit effective solutions.

Federal Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari acknowledged that gas supplies to many LNG-based plants are being impacted by geopolitical developments in the Gulf region. He revealed that plants capable of generating 6,000 MW are currently only producing around 500 MW, which severely diminishes overall electricity generation.

The ongoing crisis, notable for its resemblance to Pakistan’s severe power issues in 2011, has ignited public protests and widespread criticism. The disparities in power availability, highlighted by the surgeon’s account from Services Hospital, underscore how the energy crisis complicates everyday life and endangers lives, making the situation increasingly urgent for authorities to address.

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