In a dramatic turn of events, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly member Fazal Elahi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) allegedly stormed multiple grid stations operated by the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) and forcibly restored electricity from the Rehman Baba Grid Station.

According to PESCO’s spokesperson, the lawmaker, accompanied by a crowd of supporters, compelled officials to switch on all feeders at the Rehman Baba Grid Station. The sudden and unauthorised restoration led to system overload, causing a complete power shutdown at the station and plunging several areas into darkness.

The spokesperson further stated that hundreds of protestors also surrounded the Peshawar City and Peshawar Industrial grid stations. During the protests, demonstrators allegedly threatened and assaulted PESCO staff.

The forcibly activated feeders are classified as “high-loss feeders” due to rampant electricity theft and outstanding dues, the official said. These feeders are subject to load management policies to prevent further losses.

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In response to the incident, PESCO has called in law enforcement and confirmed that legal action is being initiated against MPA Fazal Elahi for disrupting the power system and forcibly activating restricted feeders.