Load shedding worsens in Pakistan as power shortfall reaches 5,600MW

The country is facing a power shortage of 5,600 MW, resulting in widespread load in both urban and rural areas. According to power departments, the country’s power demand stood at 25,000 MW while generation lagged at 19,400 MW. As a result, blackouts lasted eight hours in urban areas and 10 hours in rural areas. Those living in areas with high wire loss rates can also endure long periods of 12 to 14 hours without power.

Power generation breakdown

– Hydropower sources: 700MW
– Thermal power plants: 540MW
– Private sector power plants: 7,600MW
– Wind power plants: 900MW
– Solar power plants: 172MW
Bagasse-based power: 123MW
– Nuclear power plants: 3,000MW

Despite the availability of various sources of electricity, the supply of electricity is still insufficient to meet the increasing demand. The continuing burden has severely disrupted the daily lives of citizens, affecting jobs, education and general well-being.