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 source of stress and a significant disruption to their daily routines.
A New Reality for Pakistani Women
Farhat Qureshi, a 60-year-old resident of Karachi, sums up the situation perfectly: "My whole morning revolves around gas." This statement is a stark reminder of how the energy crisis has become a central focus of daily life for Pakistani households, particularly for women who bear the brunt of unpaid domestic labor.
The crisis has divided the day into strict windows for cooking, with gas availability limited to early morning, afternoon, and evening slots. Miss a window, and the day's plans are thrown into disarray. For Qureshi, who cooks for her family without any help, this means a constant juggling act, ensuring meals are prepared and reheated at the right times.
The Hidden Labor of Women
What makes this particularly fascinating is the insight it provides into the often-overlooked labor of women. A 2024 policy brief highlights that women in Pakistan perform the majority of unpaid care work, with cooking and cleaning often seen as non-economic tasks. This crisis has brought this hidden labor to the forefront, showing how women's lives are controlled by the availability of basic resources like gas.
Laiba Zahid, a 24-year-old teacher, echoes this sentiment. Her days are now dictated by the gas supply schedule, with early dinners and a lack of time for other activities becoming the new normal. Even a simple cup of tea, a daily comfort, is now dependent on the gas timetable.
The Impact on Businesses and Home-Based Work
The energy crisis has also affected home-based businesses, like that of chef Fatima Hafeez. She has to carefully manage her orders, sometimes having to cancel them due to the high cost of cooking with an LPG cylinder when gas is unavailable. Similarly, Shabana Hassan, who runs a small beauty salon from home, faces challenges due to electricity load shedding, limiting her ability to use electric tools.
For students like Simalah Zafar Baqai, the crisis means a constant battle against time, with her study and sleep schedules dictated by gas and electricity availability.
A Broader Perspective
In my opinion, this crisis highlights the vulnerability of developing nations to global events. The war between the US, Israel, and Iran has directly impacted Pakistan's energy supply, turning a surplus into a shortage. This has profound implications for the country's economy and the daily lives of its citizens.
The situation also raises questions about the role of women in society and the value placed on their labor. It's a reminder that, in many parts of the world, women's lives are still largely defined by their domestic roles, and any disruption to basic resources can have a profound impact on their well-being and freedom.
As we reflect on the situation in Pakistan, it's clear that this crisis is about more than just energy. It's a crisis of daily life, of routine, and of the basic human need for comfort and control over one's own time.
