Power blackouts protests rock Pakistan’s Punjab state

As blackouts continue to pile misery on a hpless population in Pakistan's Punjab for the sixth straight day, violent demonstrations have broken out across the province. Protesters announced they would picket residences of Members of National Assembly (MNAs) and Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) for their inaction over the issue.

On Monday, Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif visited Faisalabad and assured the protesters that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, workers, MNAs and office-bearers would participate in these protest rallies to express their solidarity. However, since the protestors found the commitment wavering, they decided to stage sit-ins outside the residences of PML-N MNAs and MPAs.

Meanwhile, over 18 processions were taken out from different parts of the district, during which vehicles were ransacked and major roads blocked. Protestors were chanting slogans against the government for the persistent electricity load-shedding.

Another office of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) was targeted by angry protesters yesterday amid fresh riots over power outages.

The attack on Lesco's office had allegedly cost the company nearly Rs2 lakh,  The Express Tribune reported.

Meanwhile two FIRs have been registered against the protesters by the Lahore police, one against attackers of the Lesco office and the other against protesters who set fire to a petrol pump on Monday.