Residents of Swabi took to the streets in large numbers this week to protest against the prolonged electricity load shedding and deteriorating road conditions across the district. The anger culminated in a powerful dharna (sit-in protest) held directly in front of Tarakai House, the residence of key local political figures.
Protesters gathered outside the homes of MNA Shahram Tarakai, Education Minister Faisal Tarakai, and MPA Murtaza, demanding immediate government action. Chanting slogans and holding placards, the demonstrators expressed deep frustration over the ongoing power outages, which have lasted up to 18 hours a day in some areas, severely impacting daily life, businesses, and students’ education.
Speakers at the protest made it clear that the sit-in would not be called off until electricity is fully restored and road repair work begins. “We are peaceful, but we will not leave until our demands are met,” one protest leader declared. “The people of Swabi have had enough. We need basic facilities—power and roads are not luxuries; they are our right.”
In addition to the dharna, major roads in the city were blocked, causing traffic disruptions. Despite the inconvenience, many locals expressed solidarity with the protesters, blaming long-standing government negligence for the crisis.
As of now, no official statement has been released by the Tarakai family or government authorities. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstration until concrete steps are taken.
This protest reflects growing public discontent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over essential service failures, with many fearing the situation could escalate if authorities continue to ignore the demands.
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