FESCO Unannounced Load Shedding Hits Faisalabad Businesses

By Saleem Mubarak

Unannounced electricity suspensions by the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) are jolting markets, crippling factories and shaking business confidence.

The menace is turning daily operations into a guessing game, as FESCO unannounced load shedding continues to disrupt commercial activity across Faisalabad.

Traders and industrialists warn that without predictable power, sales stall, exports suffer and livelihoods hang by a switch no one controls.

Impact on Small Traders and Local Markets

Speaking to Grand Lines, Bhawana Bazaar trader Muhammad Afzal said he runs an electrical goods business. He said that without electricity, they cannot demonstrate lights, heaters, geysers, or other electrical products to customers. As a result, sales are badly affected and we are unable to manage the situation.

He said businesses are already struggling due to runaway inflation and people have cut back on spending to meet basic needs. When there is no clarity about when electricity will be restored or cut off, shopkeepers cannot plan ahead or give customers a specific time to visit. This uncertainty directly hurts business confidence, he added.

Muhammad Afzal said electricity consumption is already low during winter. Air conditioners are not in use and water consumption has also decreased. He questioned how authorities would manage the situation in summer if supply cannot be handled during the colder months.

FESCO Unannounced Load Shedding and Power Loom Industry Crisis

Powerloom factory owner Shafqat Ali said FESCO has been carrying out unannounced load shedding for the past several days. This situation has pushed their financial situation from bad to worse. He added that the power loom industry is already facing a serious crisis.

He said exporters are not receiving the expected level of orders at the national level. This decline is directly affecting the local power loom industry. He said that millions of people are linked to the textile and power loom sector, directly or indirectly.

Rising Unemployment Fears Amid Power Outages

Shafqat Ali warned that if the situation continues, factory owners may be forced to shut down their units. This would result in workers being laid off and large-scale unemployment. He said the country and its people cannot afford another wave of unemployment along with rising inflation.

He further stated that the power outages are not due to natural disasters or weather conditions. Even during storms or rain, feeders should not trip as frequently as they do. He pointed out that electricity is used worldwide, yet such disruptions are rare in other countries.

Export Delays and Economic Consequences

He suggested that if load shedding is unavoidable, FESCO should issue a proper schedule. This would allow factory owners to plan operations and manage machinery accordingly. Such a step would protect both workers’ jobs and factory owners from financial losses.

Muhammad Ahmed, a textile exporter, said business cannot be run without proper planning. Even the best planning fails if essential inputs like gas and electricity are unavailable. He described electricity and gas as the lifelines of industry.

He said they are already paying the highest electricity prices in the region. Despite this, there is no certainty about when supply will be restored or interrupted. This unpredictability makes it impossible to meet commitments, he claimed.

Muhammad Ahmed warned that continued outages would prevent exporters from shipping orders on time. It would also deprive the country of much-needed foreign exchange. Both outcomes would further weaken the economy, he added.

Calls for Accountability and Official Response

He said that the government claims to be promoting industrialization, yet power disruptions continue unchecked. Without electricity, factories cannot operate, nor can fabric be dyed, processed, cut, or stitched. This contradiction is deeply troubling for industrialists.

He expressed disappointment that unannounced load shedding persists despite the passage of many years. He stressed that this is not the Stone Age and information can be shared instantly.

Ahmed urged the government to order an inquiry into why unannounced load shedding continues to damage businesses.

The Fesco spokesperson, Saeed Ahmed, told Grand Lines that due to a generation shortfall and low-frequency issues, temporarily load management is being carried out on the instructions of RCC Islamabad.

He clarified that this is not loadshedding and that the FESCO system is completely operational.

Author Profile

Saleem Mubarak: Saleem Mubarak is an investigative journalist, passionate writer, and keen observer of everyday life. His work combines humor, realism, and social insight to bring everyday stories to life with depth and clarity.

With a distinctive storytelling style, he brings ordinary moments to life through sharp wit and thoughtful commentary.

His writing often explores cultural trends, civic issues, and human behavior, engaging readers with both intellect and emotion.

Whether tackling serious topics or adding a touch of satire, Saleem’s words reflect his deep understanding of society and his commitment to meaningful expression.