There will be no cut in power supply during Muharram: PD

ISLAMABAD: On the directions of Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the Power Division has issued a comprehensive set of operational directives to all the power sector entities to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity during Muharram-ul-Haram, particularly on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Ashura).

The directives issued to the Distribution Companies (DISCOs), the National Power Control Centre (NPCC), and the National Grid Company (NGC) reflect the government’s resolve to ensure public safety and uninterrupted provision of essential services during one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar.

According to the Power Division, all DISCOs had been instructed to hold immediate consultative meetings with district administrations, management committees, and law enforcement agencies to obtain detailed lists of Majalis venues and procession routes across their respective jurisdictions. Chief engineers (Operation) of DISCOs have been designated as overall focal persons to monitor continuity of electricity supply, while additional focal persons will coordinate at the circle level with civil and security authorities.

DISCOs have been directed to complete maintenance of electricity networks and distribution transformers supplying power to Imam Bargahs and Majalis venues by 7th of Muharram. Special emphasis has been placed on removal of hanging wires and ensuring that all procession routes are electrically safe prior to the start of processions.

Emergency preparedness has also been prioritised, with instructions to keep fully equipped response teams on standby in every sub-division. These teams will be provided with tools and plant (T&P), spare materials, and transformers, including trolley-mounted units, along with dedicated vehicles. Regional and field stores will remain operational on an emergency basis to ensure uninterrupted supply of materials.

The Power Division has also directed establishment of round-the-clock control rooms at multiple administrative levels. Contact details of these control rooms will be widely disseminated through print, electronic and social media to facilitate timely reporting of faults and emergencies. Operational staff, including managers and assistant managers, have been directed to remain on duty, while leave has been strictly restricted during the Muharram period.

At the transmission level, the National Grid Company (NGC) has been tasked with ensuring uninterrupted power supply to DISCOs in line with NPCC allocations. ISMO’s regional control centres in Islamabad and Jamshoro will remain fully operational round the clock to handle any contingencies on the transmission network. DISCOs have also been directed to strictly adhere to NPCC load allocations to maintain system stability and avoid cascading outages.

Furthermore, DISCOs have been instructed to prepare contingency plans to manage feeder loads and prevent forced load shedding, particularly in vulnerable areas. Close monitoring of feeders, including those previously cleared of power theft, has also been emphasised. Emergency generators are to be kept ready and deployed at critical locations.

The directives also mandate prompt resolution of consumer complaints and activation of a Public Information Campaign (PIC) in case of outages to keep the public informed. Strict vigilance has been ordered against unauthorized persons working on the distribution network, with instructions for immediate action against violators.

The Power Division has reiterated that all field personnel must strictly adhere to safety protocols during Muharram to safeguard both human lives and infrastructure.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026