Power protest causes traffic nightmare

Residents of Gizri and P&T Colony area of Clifton staged a protest against the prolonged lack of electricity and water supply, leading to the disruption of traffic in the area.

The suspension of traffic on both lanes of the road caused a severe traffic jam, resulting in long queues of vehicles and gridlock. The protestors even resorted to setting up roadblocks and lighting fires while demanding the immediate restoration of electricity and water services, accompanied by chants against the authorities responsible.

The protest led to the suspension of traffic along Khayaban-e-Jami, Khayaban-e-Romi, Gizri Road blocking routes to Punjab Colony and Gizri Flyover to Saudi Consulate and the Sunset Boulevard towards DHA.

The demonstrators voiced their grievances, explaining how the absence of electricity and water services was significantly impacting their daily lives. Despite previous complaints to the authorities, their concerns remained unaddressed, the demonstrators maintained, adding that they were left helpless but to protest.

During the protest, passengers, including women and those with children, were seen leaving the affected area on foot due to the traffic jam.

Citizens caught in the traffic jam expressed frustration, lamenting that not only was their time wasted but they also had to expend more fuel to reach their destination. Ultimately, the police managed to peacefully disperse the protestors after a prolonged effort, allowing traffic to resume its normal flow.

A spokesperson from the K Electric revealed that the defaulters in Upper Gizri area and P&T Colony collectively owed more than Rs560 million in unpaid bills. The duration of load shedding was linked to the rate of electricity theft and line losses in the area.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2023.