Karachi Power Protests Cause Major Traffic Disruptions
Karachi power protests caused major traffic disruptions on Monday as residents blocked roads over prolonged electricity and water shortages. Thousands of commuters remained stranded for hours, while ambulances also faced severe delays.
Protests Block Major Karachi Roads
According to traffic police, residents protested against power outages on Manghopir Road near Good Luck Marriage Hall. The blockade suspended traffic towards the Lyari Expressway toll plaza on both sides.As a result, heavy congestion hit Lasbela Chowk, Nishtar Road, Gurumandir, Teen Hatti and Nazimabad. Another protest began outside a K-Electric office near Darul Uloom Korangi around 5:30pm.
Protesters blocked both sides of 8,000 Road between Korangi and Murtaza Chowrangi. Long lines of vehicles quickly formed on nearby roads.K-Electric said electricity defaulters in Sharafi Goth, Gharibabad and Pak Colony owe millions of rupees. The company also reported feeder losses above 80% in these areas.
The utility blamed electricity theft and unpaid bills for the high losses. It said the level of load-shedding depends on electricity theft and losses in each area.K-Electric urged consumers to pay their bills on time. It also said repeated anti-kunda operations had failed to fully resolve the problem.
Chief Minister Orders Action
Later, Gharibabad residents blocked both tracks of Sir Shah Suleman Road. The protest disrupted traffic between Gharibabad and Hasan Square.Traffic queues stretched for several kilometres. Congestion also affected routes linking Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karsaz, National Stadium and University Road.Another protest in Nazimabad No. 1 blocked Hakim Ibn-i-Sina Road. The closure disrupted traffic between SITE and Nazimabad.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the worsening situation. He sought immediate reports from the Karachi commissioner and police chief.The chief minister directed K-Electric and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation officials to address public complaints. He also ordered traffic police and district officials to clear blocked roads.Authorities must restore traffic on Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karsaz and Drigh Road. Meanwhile, continued protests highlight growing public frustration over basic utility shortages.
