Karachi Residents Block Roads During 12-Hour Protest Over Power and Water Shortages

Residents of Karachi held a 12-hour sit-in on Hawkes Bay Road to protest ongoing electricity and water shortages. The protest caused significant traffic disruptions. Complaints about high bills and lack of services have gone unaddressed, leading to the demonstration. The issue stemmed from unpaid dues, according to Karachi Electric.

Thousands of Karachi residents staged a sit-in protest on Hawkes Bay Road in front of Mauripur Main Bazaar on Tuesday, expressing their frustration over a week-long electricity and water shortage, The Express Tribune reported. The demonstration led to major traffic disruptions, with vehicles queuing up for miles and citizens facing significant challenges.

Locals complained that the persistent electricity issue had wreaked havoc on their daily lives. They voiced concerns about receiving inflated electricity bills despite frequent power outages and water shortages, and reported that no action had been taken despite numerous complaints. Karachi Electric attributed the problem to non-payment of PKR 185 million.

According to traffic police, residents began congregating at the K-Electric Sahulat Center on Hawkes Bay Road around 9:50 am Monday, blocking both lanes and disrupting traffic flow. Police had to reroute vehicles from Hawkes Bay Road to Suparco via Musharraf Cut, while those from Gulbai Truck Stand were advised to form a line. By 8 pm, the protest was still ongoing, with long vehicle lines and a suspended traffic flow on both lanes.

The protest, which started at 9:50 am Monday, concluded at 10:20 pm, as informed by a traffic police spokesperson. The 12-hour demonstration was driven by grievances over the lack of electricity and water. According to Dawn, Pakistan faces persistent power shortages and load shedding during peak summer months due to outdated infrastructure, inefficiencies in power generation and distribution, and rising demand.

(With inputs from agencies.)