By Our Staff Reporter
LAHORE – While Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) Chief Executive Officer Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt claims uninterrupted power supply during the monsoon and Muharram season, the ground reality paints a very different picture in several city neighborhoods, particularly Shah Jamal, Fazlia Colony, and Ichra.
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Contrary to the official narrative of 24/7 monitoring and efficient power distribution, residents of Shah Jamal and adjoining localities continue to suffer from frequent and prolonged power outages, fluctuating voltage, and delayed response from LESCO’s local subdivisions—especially the Ichra Subdivision.
Despite LESCO’s recent media release highlighting CEO Ramzan Butt’s visit to the Power Distribution Center (PDC) on a public holiday, where he monitored electricity demand and supply and directed staff to ensure uninterrupted power for both the monsoon and Muharram-related gatherings, residents on the ground report daily disruptions lasting several hours, particularly during peak humidity and night hours.
“I don’t remember the last time we had uninterrupted electricity for more than a few hours,” said Bilal Ahmed, a resident of Shah Jamal. “LESCO’s helpline doesn’t respond, and complaints registered—if they are registered at all—remain unresolved for days.”
Several residents from Fazlia Colony and Model Town Extension also voiced concerns over low voltage issues, which have rendered fans and air conditioners useless during the recent heatwave. “Even when the power is technically ‘on’, voltage is so low that our appliances don’t work. It’s as good as no electricity at all,” said Saima Bano, a schoolteacher living near Shah Jamal Chowk.
Moreover, Ichra Subdivision, which oversees many of these localities, has come under sharp criticism for poor service delivery and lack of coordination. Consumers allege that field staff either do not pick up calls or simply pass the buck. “We went to the subdivision office twice, but the SDO was unavailable and the linemen said they had no instructions,” said Rashid Nawaz, a Fazlia resident.
Despite LESCO’s claim that all materials required for repair and maintenance are available in abundance, locals report delays in even basic fault rectification, leaving entire blocks without electricity for extended periods. The situation is especially concerning ahead of Muharram, as preparations for religious gatherings are being hampered by frequent power breakdowns.
Residents have appealed to the LESCO high-ups and provincial authorities to take notice of the deteriorating power supply situation and ensure practical improvements beyond mere press statements and monitoring center visits.
While LESCO’s top brass continues to issue optimistic bulletins about performance, the ground reality in several parts of Lahore tells a story of neglect, inefficiency, and growing public frustration.
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