QUETTA: A significant protest led by the National Party against the severe suspension of natural gas supply in several Quetta suburbs culminated in a negotiation with Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) officials, resulting in assurances of immediate remedial action. The demonstration, organized by party leaders including Provincial General Secretary Advocate Changiz Hai Baloch, Dr. Ramzan Hazara, and Ayooz Ali, saw hundreds of residents from Hazara Town, Mariabad, and Sariab areas gather outside the SSGC head office.
Protestors decried the non-supply of gas during the intense cold season as “cruel treatment,” stating that continuous negligence from the utility company was making life unbearable. Speakers highlighted that the near-total suspension of gas in their areas was causing severe hardship for children and ordinary citizens, forcing them to endure freezing temperatures without heating.
Following a sit-in, the National Party leadership engaged in direct talks with SSGC’s General Manager, Raheel Malik, and his team. In a pivotal development, the company formally recognized the public’s demands as legitimate and legal. Officials assured the delegation that technical and administrative measures would be implemented to resolve the persistent gas load-shedding issues in Quetta.
Furthermore, SSGC promised a performance review of responsible officers, with a commitment to take strict action where negligence is identified. Satisfied with the assurances, the National Party leaders called off the protest, emphasizing their belief in securing public rights through dialogue and democratic procedures. They warned, however, that the protest movement would be reignited on a larger scale if the company fails to fulfill its promises.
The residents have now ended their sit-in, expressing hope that the company will swiftly improve gas supply facilities as pledged, bringing much-needed relief during the harsh winter.
