On the directions of Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) has issued a comprehensive set of operational directives to all Distribution Companies (DISCOs), the National Power Control Centre (NPCC), and the National Grid Company (NGC) to guarantee the uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout the sacred month of Muharram-ul-Haram, with particular emphasis on the 9th and 10th of Muharram — the days of Ashura.
The instructions underscore the Government's resolve to ensure public safety and the seamless delivery of essential services during one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar.
In preparation for the Muharram processions and Majaalis gatherings, all DISCOs have been directed to hold immediate consultative meetings with District Administration authorities, Management Committees, and law enforcement agencies. Each DISCO is required to obtain precise lists of Majaalis venues and procession routes from local administrations across all Operation Sub-divisions and Districts. The Chief Engineer (Operation) of every DISCO has been designated as the overall in-charge responsible for monitoring continuity of electricity supply, while dedicated focal persons are to be nominated at the Circle level to maintain real-time coordination with civil and security authorities as well as community representatives.
All DISCOs have been instructed to complete maintenance of the electric network and distribution transformers serving Majaalis and Imam Bargahs no later than the 7th of Muharram-ul-Haram. Hanging wires along procession routes are to be urgently rectified to eliminate any risk of mishap, and all procession routes are to be made electrically safe before the commencement of the processions. Emergency teams equipped with full Tools and Plant (T&P), requisite materials, transformers — including trolley-mounted units — and dedicated vehicles are to remain on standby in every Sub-division throughout the period. Regional and Field Stores will remain operational on an emergency basis for continuous material issuance, and fully equipped vehicles are to be stationed in each Sub-division at all times.
Round-the-clock control rooms are to be established at multiple administrative tiers to oversee Muharram operations. The contact details of these control rooms will be widely disseminated through print media, official websites, and social media platforms to facilitate the public in reporting faults and emergencies. Managers (Operation), Deputy Managers (Operation), and Assistant Managers (Operation) — along with their full staff — are required to remain present in their respective offices, especially on the days of Ashura. No leave is to be granted to operational staff during this period. Additional teams are to be deployed at Circle and Division levels to supplement response capacity in case of any heightened emergency.
At the transmission level, the National Grid Company (NGC) has been directed to ensure seamless power delivery to all DISCOs strictly in accordance with NPCC's allocations. ISMO's Regional Control Centres at Islamabad and Jamshoro will remain fully operational around the clock to manage any contingency arising on the transmission network. DISCOs are also required to adhere strictly to NPCC's load allocations to safeguard overall system stability and prevent cascading outages.
DISCOs have been further directed to prepare detailed contingency plans to manage feeder loads and avert forced load shedding, particularly in areas historically vulnerable to such interruptions during peak demand periods. Monitoring of feeders — including those cleared of power theft — is to be maintained rigorously. Emergency generators available within each DISCO are to be kept in operational readiness and deployed to identified critical sites as required. Prompt redressal of consumer electricity complaints is mandated, and a Public Information Campaign (PIC) is to be activated immediately in the event of any fault or outage to keep citizens informed.
DISCOs are required to enforce strict vigilance against unauthorized individuals operating on the distribution network, and stringent action is to be taken against any such persons without delay. All field personnel are reminded that rigorous adherence to safety protocols is mandatory throughout the Muharram period. The Power Division reaffirms its commitment to protecting both citizens and critical infrastructure during this sacred time.
The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) remains fully committed to providing reliable and safe electricity to the people of Pakistan during Muharram-ul-Haram and calls upon all stakeholders — DISCOs, transmission entities, and district administrations — to work in close coordination to ensure a safe, dignified, and uninterrupted observance of Ashura across the country.
