The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a directive to provincial authorities and electricity distribution companies to stop load-shedding during sehri and iftar hours throughout the upcoming Ramadan, emphasizing that uninterrupted power supply is essential for public welfare and the observance of religious practices.
The order came from a PHC bench that reviewed a petition highlighting the hardship caused by power outages during pre-dawn and sunset meals, which are critical fasting times for millions of Muslims during the holy month.
Court’s Verdict and Directives
In its ruling, the High Court instructed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government, relevant power regulators, and distribution companies to formulate and implement a plan that ensures continuous electricity during the hours of sehri and iftar every day of Ramadan.
The bench stressed that:
- The right to practice religious obligations without undue hardship is constitutionally protected
- Load-shedding during fasting hours creates unnecessary difficulties for households and businesses
The court directed authorities to submit a compliance report within a specified timeframe to ensure implementation ahead of Ramadan.
Government and Utility Response
Following the ruling, officials from the provincial energy department and distribution companies assured the court that a schedule would be prepared to avoid outages during the specified periods.
Energy officials said operational adjustments and load management plans would be put in place to honor the court’s order while balancing technical constraints across the grid.
Public Reaction
The verdict was welcomed by local communities and civil society groups, who said uninterrupted power during sehri and iftar would greatly ease daily life during the fasting month.
Residents expressed hope that the directive would be implemented effectively and not just remain on paper, especially as high temperatures and increased household electricity use during Ramadan can strain the grid.
Broader Context
While power shortages and rotational load-shedding remain a challenge in many parts of the country, the court’s intervention highlights a growing emphasis on ensuring essential services are maintained during important cultural and religious periods.
Energy experts say that while ensuring no load-shedding at specific times is operationally challenging, proper planning and load distribution can help reduce outages during critical hours if authorities prioritize implementation.
