Protests break out against power outages

Exasperated by prolonged power outages in stiffening hot and humid weather, residents of the densely-populated Federal Capital Area (FC Area) came out on the streets to protest.

Residents of the area protested outside K Electric’s office against the prolonged and unannounced power outages. Though the office was closed and the staff was absent, protesters vented their anger by hurling stones and chanting slogans.

In the meantime, law enforcement agencies rushed to the spot and dispersed the protesters by baton charge.

Residents of the area said that the power supply is cut off at midnight every day.

However, power was restored in the area, prompting protesters to return to their homes.

Similar protests erupted in other parts of the city too. Residents of Jahangir Road blocked both sides of the thoroughfare disrupting traffic for hours.

The people living in the Hazara Colony popularly known as Kala Pul blocked the main Korangi Road. Protestors said power outages have also disrupted water supply.

In the meantime, residents of Old Sabzi Mandi on University Road and Mauripur Road heading to Hawke’s Bay also blocked traffic to make authorities hear their grievances about power outages.

Later in the day, people fed up with absence of electricity in searing hot and humid weather came out on the streets to vent their anger in the Surjani Town, Sakhi Hasan, and Ramswami neighbourhoods.

Women and children joined the protestors burning tyres and chanting slogans against the power utility.

Meanwhile, K Electric spokesperson stated that loadshedding was being conducted in high pilferage areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2022.