SWAT: Mingora and its suburbs have been sustaining unscheduled power cuts, hitting households and businesses alike.

Shopkeepers in Mingora Bazaar are struggling to keep their businesses running smoothly.

Many are forced to close early or suspend operations during peak hours due to the frequent power cuts.

Zahir Khan, an electrician, said: `Our businesses are facing major losses. We have no idea when the power will go out next, and it`s affecting our sales. Our customers are frustrated too. If we have to shut down early because of a power cut, it affects not only our income but also our reputation.

The situation is equally distressing for the education sector. With frequent outages,schoolsinMingora are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their teaching schedules.

Samreen Bibi, a virtual university student, expressed her concerns: `I rely completely on online education, but for the past two months, my studies have been severely disrupted because there is no electric supply from 8am to 3pm, and my online classes fall within this period.

Similarly, Rozina Gul, a teacher at a private school, said that during the winter holidays, teachers send homework assignments through online learning management systems, trying to cover the syllabus.

`But it`s almost impossible to get any real teaching done when the power keeps going out. Pupils are falling behind, and the teachers are equally frustrated. It`s especially difficult for the younger pupils who rely on interactive lessons, but even that is impossible without power,` she said.

For ordinary residents, life has become increasingly difficult. Extended power cuts have disrupted daily routines, from cooking meals to charging essential devices.

Imran Shah, a local resident, lamented, `It`s unbearable. We can`t cook during the power cuts.

Local government employees, too, are feeling the effects of the power outages. Correspondent