The ongoing energy crisis in Pakistan has taken an unexpected turn, impacting the daily lives of its citizens in ways that go beyond mere inconvenience. For many, especially women, the crisis has become a constant, all-encompassing struggle, reshaping their routines and affecting their very sense of well-being.
Farhat Qureshi, a 60-year-old resident of Karachi, sums up the situation poignantly: "My whole morning revolves around gas." This statement, at once simple and profound, encapsulates the new reality for countless Pakistani households.
The crisis, exacerbated by the US-Israel war on Iran, has led to a drastic reduction in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, which Pakistan relies on to meet a significant portion of its energy needs. As a result, the availability of cooking gas has become unpredictable, with short windows of supply in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
For women like Qureshi, who bear the brunt of unpaid domestic labor, this means a complete overhaul of their daily routines. They wake up earlier, cook faster, rearrange meals, and delay rest, all while planning their entire days around the prospect of getting gas for their stoves.
"It is very irritating that when it is time, the gas does not come. It is tiring to live like this," Qureshi says, highlighting the frustration and fatigue that comes with this new normal.
Laiba Zahid, a 24-year-old teacher, echoes this sentiment, explaining how her days are now divided into strict meal windows defined by the gas supply. "Our dinner time is set. We have to have early dinners," she says. "By 8:30 pm, I know that we have to make sure the food is ready."
The impact extends beyond the kitchen. Zahid laments the loss of her evening tea, a small daily comfort now reliant on the gas schedule. For chef Fatima Hafeez, who runs a lunch business from home, the crisis means potential order cancellations and increased expenses when using LPG cylinders as a backup.
Shabana Hassan, who operates a small beauty salon at home, faces a dual challenge of electricity and gas shortages, limiting her ability to use electric tools and affecting her business.
Simalah Zafar Baqai, a university student, measures the crisis by the number of hours she can study or sleep, her entire routine adjusted around gas availability and power outages.
The crisis has not only disrupted daily life but has also increased the workload and stress levels for women, who already shoulder a disproportionate amount of unpaid care work.
"Our daily life is being affected. Our personal life is being affected. And obviously, the hard work has increased," Qureshi says, emphasizing the profound impact on the lives of Pakistani women.
This crisis serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global events and their impact on the most basic aspects of daily life. It also highlights the often-overlooked contributions and sacrifices of women in maintaining the fabric of society.
As the energy crisis persists, the resilience and adaptability of Pakistani women will continue to be tested, and their stories will serve as a powerful testament to the strength and endurance of the human spirit.
