By Aftab Hussain
SHANGLA: More than two weeks after heavy snowfall struck Shangla district, electricity supply and road connectivity in upper and remote areas remain largely disrupted, leaving residents struggling with daily hardships. Despite claims by the district administration of ongoing restoration efforts, local reports indicate little progress on the ground.
Over 30 link roads in the upper parts of Shangla are still blocked by snow, cutting off villages and forcing residents to travel on foot along hazardous mountain paths to meet basic needs. In several areas, partial clearance was carried out but left incomplete, worsening isolation for communities. Local sources say thousands of residents, including patients, women, and children, are enduring long and risky journeys due to the lack of road access, with emergency movement nearly impossible.
Prolonged power outages have compounded the crisis. Areas such as Alpurai Payan, Karora, Ranyal, and Wadi Kana have been without electricity for more than two weeks, while large parts of Martung and Puran subdivisions remain in darkness. The absence of power has disrupted households, businesses, schools, and communication networks. Mobile services and water supply schemes have collapsed, adding to the strain on residents.
The severe cold and persistent outages have intensified difficulties for elderly citizens, children, and patients, raising concerns over public health and safety. Residents say life has become unbearable without basic facilities.
Public dissatisfaction is growing, with many criticizing the slow pace of snow clearance and delayed repair of transmission lines. Community members have urged senior authorities and the provincial government to intervene urgently, deploying additional machinery and manpower to restore electricity and reopen blocked roads.
