Power outages are a matter of life and death in Pakistan

Dubai: Power could have saved his life.

There was no obituary to mark his death — just a fleeting reference in a few local news reports and anger among those who had lost him. And yet Imran Haider has become the face of powerless Pakistanis struggling to plug into their lives every day.

Haider was a labourer — working in Lahore's Shah Alam market — who died because the elevator he was trapped in could not be accessed due to a lack of electricity. He suffocated, but not before futile attempts were made to contact his family for help.

"Haider is just one example [of the consequences of the power shortage]. There are many that are unaccounted for. Power cuts have become a matter of life and death for many," Roheena Aslam, an 20-year-old student and a resident of Gulberg, said.

Aslam's views are not exaggerated. They are voiced in the mass protests that have become a recurrent feature in the to-do list of most residents. Staged in major cities across the country, the demonstrations have become a common ground for people who are fed up with being without electricity — irrespective of social or financial status.

Aslam is a student at one of the top universities of Punjab and admits she is "among the privileged in society". Yet, once home, the power cuts put her on par with a low-income worker. "Everyone is on the same page — what can you do if you lack the most basic amenity?" she asked.

Ironically, the most sought-after commodity is not the latest it-bag or luxury car, but a simple electric bulb and — when the government allows — the power to use it.

Aslam adds that on a good day, power is cut off for 11 hours, which is a rarity among the 22-hours-without-electricity-months.Coupled with gas shortage, it has forced many to alter their lifetsyles.

"We have begun limiting our purchases of meat and perishable goods — how can I refrigerate these when there's no power?" Amina Eftekhar, a homemaker said. She adds that food issues are just the tip of the iceberg. There have been times when she has had to counsel a few relatives who were contemplating suicide after their businesses went bankrupt.

"There is no money in business because there is no electricity to keep it running. I have a family to feed. It is understandable if people are depressed," Zeb K., a 40-year-old who runs a shop in Lahore's Anarkali market, said.

Zeb confesses that there have been times when he has been tempted to steal electricity — an act allegedly practised by many residents and shop owners with the right "connections".

"Yes, I steal electricity. Who doesn't? I have responsibilities too. Give me an alternative and I will turn into a law-abiding citizen," S. K., a resident of Islampura, said on the condition of anonymity.

Most blamed the government for their disconnected lives, hoping that fresh elections and an empathetic leader can rescue the nation from the crippling crisis.