KASUR/ QILA DIDAR SINGH - People, especially women at homes are faced with a great ordeal due to gas outages which are being conducted in Kasur district and Qila Didar Singh since the start of winter.

In Kasur, the gas loadshedding has badly affected routine life of citizens. It has also hit industrial output of the city. During a survey, residents of different areas of the district told The Nation that they are facing severe problems to carry out their routine life activities due to unscheduled gas outages. They said that the women at homes are unable to prepare meals. People, therefore, are forced to buy fast foods and other edibles from bazaar three-time a day. Besides, people have also been deprived of hot water for ablution and bath because of inadequate

gas-supply. Traders, on the other hand, are worst victim of the crisis whose business relies on uninterrupted gas supply. People demanded the government look into the matter and address their problems.

In Qila Didar Singh, local people complain about prolonged gas loadshedding and low gas pressure. Talking to The Nation, residents of different localities including Abbaspura, Purana Bazaar, Tawhidpura, Ashraf Town, Dhabwala, Malikpura, Afzal Town, Shakurwala and Sharifpura said that they are facing low gas pressure and gas outages, particularly in the morning and evening hours. They said that gas loadshedding has exposed tall claims of the authorities concerned regarding uninterrupted gas supply during winter.

They said that people in congested areas have connected gas sucking compressors to the gas supply line. They pointed out that this illegal use of gas compressors is the main reason behind gas shortage. They regretted that the authorities concerned are least bothered to take action against those using these compressors to steal gas. They lamented that they have to burn wood for cooking meal due to gas shortage. They demanded the authorities ensure uninterrupted supply of gas during winter. They also demanded stern action against the gas pilferers.

THIEVES STEAL VALUABLES

WORTH RS1M

Thieves broke into a house at Deenpur Tauba and made off with cash, gold jewellery and other valuables here the other day.

Shafiq, resident of Deenpur Tauba, told the Changa Manga police that he was out with his family. In their absence, unidentified thieves broke into his house. They stole cash, 17 tola gold ornaments and other household items worth Rs1 million and went away. The police registered a case against the accused and launched investigation.

VALUABLES, CASH STOLEN FROM HOUSE

Thieves broke into a house at Kanganpur nad made off with cash and gold jewellery here the other day.

Mudassar told the Kanganpur police that he was out with his family when some unidentified thieves broke into his house. They stole Rs20,000 cash and other valuables including 1 tola gold ornaments and went away. The police registered a case against thieves and launched investigation.