Protests for basic utilities continue in Lyari

Police use force to disperse crowds demanding supply of gas, water, electricity

KARACHI:

Residents of Lyari expressed their frustration by staging a protest on Maripur Road for the second consecutive day, demanding the provision of electricity, water, and piped gas. The protest turned chaotic as the police resorted to baton charges and teargas shelling to disperse the protesters, resulting in Maripur Road resembling a riot zone.

Protestors burnt tires set ablaze, and slogans were raised to voice their demands. The protest caused significant disruptions, including the suspension of traffic, long queues of vehicles, including cargo and public transport, and severe traffic congestion.

Residents of Lyari took to the streets for a second day to protest against the frequent power outages and the lack of water and gas supply. The protesters staged a sit-in on Maripur Road, blocking both lanes of traffic by burning tires. As a result, nearby roads experienced severe traffic congestion and long lines of vehicles.

Upon receiving information about the protest, a heavy police force was deployed to negotiate with the protesters and restore traffic. However, when the negotiations failed, police resorted to baton charge and tear gas shelling to disperse the crowd. Using force transformed Maripur Road into a riot zone, as protesters retaliated by throwing stones at the police. The demonstrators voiced their grievances, highlighting the absence of essential utilities such as electricity, water, and gas, particularly in the sweltering summer. These circumstances have made their lives unbearable, forcing them to endure financial burdens by purchasing food and water from outside. The people expressed dissatisfaction with the authorities lack of concern for their problems and wondered where to turn for resolution.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2023.