By IANS,
Islamabad : At least one person was killed and six others were injured in clashes between protesters and a politician’s security guards in Pakistan’s Punjab province Monday, as violence over prevailing electricity crisis continued.
Protesters wielding sticks forced the markets to close in Khanewal city. But a man died and six others were injured after guards of a ruling party leader opened fire when his house was attacked, Xinhua quoted local media reports as saying.
Agitated protesters attacked houses and offices of the members of parliament in two cities during the protest. Police fired tear gas and baton charged to disperse protesters in several cities.
Protesters also attacked power supply offices, government buildings, banks, vehicles and even private properties in different parts of the province.
Local media reported that the protesters looted stores and stole from fruit vendors.
Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar said the country is facing a power shortfall of 7,000 megawatts and the government cannot alone deal with the crisis.
The current electricity production is estimated at 10,500 megawatts and the demand stands at 17,500 megawatts, the minister said.