DISCOs, NGC instructed to maintain stable electricity supply across Pakistan during Muharram-ul-Haram observance
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) has issued detailed operational directives to Distribution Companies (DISCOs), the National Power Control Centre (NPCC) and the National Grid Company (NGC) to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Muharram-ul-Haram, particularly on the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Ashura).
The directives were issued on the instructions of Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, according to an official statement released on Thursday.
Officials said the measures aim to maintain uninterrupted power supply during Muharram to support religious gatherings, processions and essential public services across the country.
Coordination with Local Administrations
DISCOs have been instructed to coordinate closely with district administrations, law enforcement agencies and local committees to identify majalis venues and procession routes in advance.
Chief Engineers (Operations) will act as focal persons to monitor supply, while additional officers at circle level will ensure real-time communication between civil and security authorities to maintain uninterrupted power supply during Muharram.
Maintenance and Safety Preparations
The Power Division has directed all DISCOs to complete maintenance of distribution lines and transformers serving mosques, imambargahs and majalis sites before the 7th of Muharram.
Hanging wires along procession routes are to be removed or secured to prevent safety hazards and ensure uninterrupted power supply during Muharram without risk to participants.
Emergency response teams equipped with transformers, tools and vehicles will remain on standby to restore services in case of faults.
Round-the-Clock Monitoring Arrangements
Control rooms will operate 24/7 across all levels during the observance period to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Muharram.
Contact numbers for complaint reporting will be widely circulated through media channels, while operational staff and engineers have been instructed to remain present during Ashura with no leave allowed.
Grid Stability and Load Management
At the transmission level, the National Grid Company (NGC) has been tasked with ensuring uninterrupted power supply during Muharram in coordination with NPCC load management plans.
Regional control centres in Islamabad and Jamshoro will remain fully operational to handle any emergencies or fluctuations in demand.
DISCOs have also been directed to strictly implement load management strategies to avoid system overloads and prevent forced outages during peak hours.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
The Power Division has instructed DISCOs to maintain contingency plans, ensure backup generator readiness and respond quickly to consumer complaints to guarantee uninterrupted power supply during Muharram.
Authorities have also warned against unauthorized interference with the power distribution system and emphasized strict adherence to safety protocols.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply during Muharram, stressing the importance of coordination among all stakeholders for peaceful observance of Ashura across Pakistan.
