Residents across Punjab, Pakistan, are grappling with significant power outages, particularly in rural areas served by the Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco). Reports indicate that some localities are experiencing outages lasting between 1 to 16 hours daily. Districts such as Muzaffargarh and Khanewal have been severely affected, with residents noting a recent worsening of the situation without clear explanations from authorities. Urban centers like Faisalabad and Lahore are also facing outages, though they are typically shorter, lasting 3 to 4 hours daily. A spokesperson for the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) denied any major shortfall in Lahore, attributing outages to scheduled maintenance and repairs. The ongoing power crisis is compounded by a sharp reduction in gas supply to power plants, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Qatar halted until May 9. Currently, only 90 million cubic feet per day of indigenous gas is being supplied to the power sector, with expectations of an increase to 160 million cubic feet per day in May.