Pakistani Taliban Threatens Electric Company as Thousands Die in Heat Wave

The Pakistani Taliban has made a threat against an electric company, blaming its inability to provide steady service for the deaths of thousands in a devastating heat wave that is making life in the Asian country unbearable.

The New York Times reports that the Pakistani Taliban said the company charged unnecessarily high prices, making it harder for people to use appliances like air conditioners and fans, making the situation even worse. The group said that it would take action against the company if it does provide better and more affordable service, but did not go into the particulars of what such action may entail.

The group seems to be trying to make itself an ally of the people after alienating the majority of the country with an assault on a school for military families that left hundreds dead and wounded. That attack resulted in a fierce military campaign against the group that has weakened it substantially in the country's northwest.

The Times reports the group still maintains a strong presence in the mega-city of Karachi, which is where the group's comments were primarily aimed.

Dawn.com reports that at least 1,242 people are confirmed to have died from the heatwave, which saw temperatures as high as 113 F, according to the Times.

Dawn says that the city's morgues are struggling to deal with the influx of dead, most of whom were elderly or destitute. Many of the dead were also impoverished laborers who had to keep working in the dangerous conditions because they are paid on a daily basis, and would not be paid if they did not work.

In addition to the deaths, around 80,000 people have needed to receive treatment for heat related complications.