The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has ordered the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and electricity distribution companies to maintain continuous power supply during sehri and iftar hours throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The directive aims to alleviate hardship for residents and address safety and welfare concerns tied to frequent load-shedding that traditionally affects energy access during early morning and evening hours. (tribune.com.pk)
Presiding judges emphasised that uninterrupted electricity during sehri (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (evening meal) is essential for families observing fasts, given the need to prepare meals and carry out daily routines without disruptions. The court made clear that load-shedding orders must not be issued during these specific time windows, and that authorities should develop adequate schedules for rationing if necessary outside them. (tribune.com.pk)
Government and utility companies instructed to comply
In its detailed directive, the PHC instructed the Energy Department of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and distribution companies to adjust power distribution plans to honour the no-load-shedding rule. The court noted that frequent outages during Ramadan impose undue strain, particularly on vulnerable groups and households reliant on electricity for meal preparation, refrigeration and medical devices. (tribune.com.pk)
Officials were told to submit compliance reports to the court and ensure mechanisms are in place to address any planned outages outside the protected time slots. The order also directed authorities to ensure that essential public services such as hospitals and emergency response units are not impacted by any changes in load management plans. (tribune.com.pk)
Public reaction and logistical challenges
The ruling has drawn mixed responses from residents and stakeholder groups. Many welcomed the court’s stance as a practical measure to support households during Ramadan, while some energy experts raised questions about the feasibility, given the existing strain on the grid and supply constraints in the province. Critics argue that without additional generation capacity or load management strategies, enforcing a complete ban on outages in peak Ramadan windows could place added pressure on an already stretched system.
Energy officials have acknowledged the concerns and stated that they will work on revised load management schedules that comply with the court order while balancing broader demand and supply realities.
Broader implications
The PHC’s decision reflects growing public sensitivity to energy access issues during Ramadan, a time when electricity demand typically rises due to increased household usage tied to sehri and iftar preparations. Similar appeals have been heard in other provinces in past years, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing energy availability with supply limitations in Pakistan.
As the province moves into the second week of Ramadan, residents and utilities alike will be watching how implementation unfolds and whether the directive will set a precedent for similar rulings in other regions.
